Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, was one of Nigeria’s most esteemed actors and film executives. His career stretched over more than five decades, taking him from British theater and television to international films and the Nigerian film industry.
Here are key facts about his life, career, and legacy.
Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Nigeria. Although he was raised in Kano, he had roots in the Egba Alake community of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He discovered an interest in acting through school dramas, debate clubs, and church programs. His passion for theater grew stronger after he watched a performance by renowned Nigerian theater practitioner Hubert Ogunde.
Jacobs traveled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
He then worked with several repertory theaters in Britain and appeared in numerous British TV productions during the 1970s and 1980s.
Some of his British television credits included:
The Goodies
Till Death Us Do Part
Barlow at Large
The Tomorrow People
The Professionals
The Venturers
Angels
He also appeared in international films, including The Dogs of War in 1980, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend in 1985, and Pirates in 1986.
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After establishing himself in Britain, Jacobs became a major figure in Nigeria’s developing entertainment industry.
He starred in more than 120 Nigerian films and was especially known for portraying kings, chiefs, traditional rulers, patriarchs, and other authoritative figures.
His deep voice, commanding presence, and theatrical training made him one of the most recognizable faces in Nollywood.
Jacobs was often described as one of the “godfathers of Nollywood,” alongside other veteran actors whose careers helped shape the Nigerian film industry.
Throughout his career, Olu Jacobs received numerous major awards and honors.
His accolades included:
2007: Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
2011: Conferred with the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
2013: Received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
2016: Honored with the Africa Movie Academy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
These awards acknowledged his contributions to acting, theater, and the broader African film industry.
Olu Jacobs married fellow veteran actress Joke Silva in 1989.
Their relationship grew into both a personal and professional partnership. The couple co-founded the Lufodo Group, a media and performing arts organization involved in film production, distribution, and creative arts.
They were also linked with the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which played a role in training and developing young talents in the entertainment industry.
In his later years, Jacobs mostly stayed out of the public eye as his health declined.
In an earlier interview, Joke Silva revealed that he was living with dementia with Lewy bodies, a degenerative condition impacting his health.
His health was also the subject of false reports of his death before his family confirmed his passing on September 16, 2026.
Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at age 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in an Instagram post and urged the public, bloggers, and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy.
Beyond his on-screen roles, Jacob’s legacy rests in his contributions to theater, television, film production, and arts education.
His career helped bridge Nigeria’s traditional theater heritage with modern Nollywood and inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
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