How Did Olu Jacobs Die? What We Know About the Nollywood Legend’s Death

Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, his family confirmed on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. The veteran Nigerian actor, whose career spanned theatre, television and film, was remembered by his family as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

Olu Jacobs’ immediate cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by his family.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his father’s death in a statement shared on Instagram. Relatives asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.

Olu Jacobs had faced health-related concerns in his later years, and his health had previously been the subject of public discussion.

His wife, actress Joke Silva, had previously spoken publicly about his battle with Lewy body dementia, a condition that affected him during his later years. However, the family’s September 2026 announcement did not state that Lewy body dementia caused his death.

Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) executive director, Israel Audu, mourned the veteran actor’s death, calling it a significant loss to Nigeria’s creative industry.

‎”Olu Jacobs was more than a remarkable actor; he was an institution whose body of work helped define generations and set enduring standards for professionalism in the Nigerian creative industry,” Audu reportedly said.

‎”Those of us working to advance film and culture through platforms such as KADIFF recognise the immense contributions of pioneers like Olu Jacobs.
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‎”His journey reminds us of the power of excellence, discipline and commitment to the creative arts, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations,” he said.

Who Was Olu Jacobs?

Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs became one of the most recognizable actors in Nigeria and a major figure in the development of Nollywood.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before beginning a career that included British theatre and television. His early television credits included The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People.

Jacobs also appeared in international films, including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, before establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most respected screen actors.

His later career included more than 100 Nollywood productions, helping make him one of the industry’s most recognizable elder statesmen.

Olu Jacobs’ Nollywood Career

Jacobs became particularly well known to audiences across Africa through his work in Nigerian film and television.

His career extended across several decades, allowing him to work in theatre, television and cinema as Nollywood grew into a major global film industry.

He also became involved in the business side of entertainment. Together with Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

In recognition of his contribution to Nigerian cinema, Jacobs received major industry honours, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the African Movie Academy Awards in 2016.

Olu Jacobs was married to fellow Nigerian actress Joke Silva. The couple married in 1989 and became one of the best-known husband-and-wife partnerships in Nigerian entertainment. They also worked together in the film and theatre industry and were involved in the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.