AGN Lagos mourns Olu Jacobs, hails Nollywood icon

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By Ayo Onikoyi

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The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, has mourned the death of veteran actor and filmmaker, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, describing him as one of the enduring figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

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Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to the public and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.

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In a statement, the Acting Chairperson of the AGN Lagos State Chapter, Hon. High Chief Erelu Ikubuwaje Funmilayo Mary Edward, expressed condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, his children, grandchildren, the Jacobs and Lufodo families, colleagues and admirers.

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The guild described Jacobs as an actor, filmmaker, theatre practitioner and cultural figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film in Nigeria and Britain.

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Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and worked in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the prominent figures in the country’s film industry.

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Known for his commanding voice and screen presence, he played a wide range of roles, including traditional rulers, fathers, elders, statesmen and other complex characters.

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Beyond acting, Jacobs and Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group, with interests in film production, distribution and professional training through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

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The AGN Lagos chapter said his contribution to the industry extended beyond his performances to mentorship, institution building and the development of professional structures for the creative sector.

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Jacobs received several honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013.

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He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016 and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

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Reacting to his death, the AGN Lagos chapter said his passing marked the end of an important chapter in the history of Nigerian theatre and cinema.

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The guild said his performances, professional standards and contribution to the development of the industry would continue to influence younger generations of actors and filmmakers.

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It also appealed to bloggers, social media influencers, journalists and members of the public to respect the family’s request for privacy during the mourning period.

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The guild described Jacobs’ legacy as one that extended beyond his film roles, noting his contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the training of future creative professionals.

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“Chief Olu Jacobs, MFR, has taken his final bow — but the curtain will never truly fall on his legacy,” the statement said.

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The AGN Lagos chapter prayed for comfort and strength for Silva, the Jacobs family and all those mourning the veteran actor.

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