BREAKING: Veteran actor Olu Jacobs dies at 84

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Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

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His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday.

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In the post, Olusoji said the family was announcing Jacobs’ death “with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought,” describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

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He wrote, “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.”

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Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026.

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The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy following his death.

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“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time,” Olusoji said.

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Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s veteran actors and was widely recognised for his contributions to theatre, television and film.

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He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films.

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After returning to Nigeria, he became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry and was regarded as one of the veteran figures of Nollywood.

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Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

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He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.

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Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.

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