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Death of Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs

Overview

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, known as Olu Jacobs, died at the age of 84. His death was announced on September 16, 2026, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.

Jacobs had a career spanning over five decades that connected British theatre and television with the Nigerian film industry. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he appeared in British productions such as ‘The Professionals’ and international films like ‘The Dogs of War’. He later became a foundational figure in Nollywood, appearing in more than 100 films.

Alongside his wife, actress Joke Silva, Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts to train new talent. Following his death, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar offered tributes, with officials describing him as a “national icon” and a “giant of the Nigerian creative industry.” Former Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed characterized his passing as the end of an “extraordinary chapter” in Nigerian theatre, television, and film, noting Jacobs' use of the arts for cultural diplomacy.

Industry colleagues have also shared tributes. Actor Kanayo O. Kanayo praised Jacobs’ professionalism, specifically his strict discipline regarding punctuality and preparation. Filmmaker Tunde Kelani described him as a classically trained actor with a commanding presence who frequently supported the next generation by working on student productions without charge.

Entities

Olu Jacobs · Nollywood · Joke Silva · Nigeria · Kanayo O. Kanayo

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Kanayo O. Kanayo tributes late Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs

    Actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has honored the late Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs, praising his discipline, mentorship, and professional standards following the actor's death at age 84.

  2. 3 days ago

    [CULTURE] 8 sources
    Olu Jacobs, veteran Nigerian actor and cultural icon, dies

    Veteran Nigerian actor and cultural icon Olu Jacobs has died, marking the end of a significant era in Nigerian theatre and film, according to former Minister Lai Mohammed.

  3. 6 days ago

    [CULTURE] 56 sources
    Olu Jacobs, Nollywood legend and film executive, dies at 84

    Legendary Nollywood actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at age 84. A pioneer of Nigerian cinema, he was celebrated for his international career and his work developing the Lufodo Group.

Sources

adomonline.com · arise.tv · asaaseradio.com · ashantireport.com · authorityngr.com · blueprint.ng · bunte.de · businessday.ng · businesselitesafrica.com · chronicle.ng · cknnigeria.com · energyfocusreport.com · gambiaj.com · ghcampus.com · gistlover.com · gistreel.com · gwg.ng · iroyinyorubatv.com.ng · kemifilani.ng · kessbenonline.com · kewoulo.info · lindaikejisblog.com · metrotvonline.com · nationalaccordnewspaper.com · newsnowonline.com.ng · newswings.com.ng · newtelegraphng.com · nexusmedia.ug · nigeriancurrent.com · nnn.ng · oguntoday.com.ng · phenomenal.com.ng · premiumtimesng.com · primanews.org · qed.ng · radiopacis.org · realnewsmagazine.net · rhythm937.com · sagagist.com.ng · silverbirdtv.com · statehouse.gov.ng · tchadinfos.com · tgnews.com.ng · thatericalper.com · theabujainquirer.com · thecitizenng.com · thegeniusmedia.com.ng · theinfostride.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history