Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs, a highly respected figure whose illustrious career covered theatre, television and cinema, has died aged 84.
His death was announced by his wife and fellow actress, Joke Silva, who appealed to the public, bloggers and social media personalities to allow the family to grieve privately.
Silva described her late husband as “The Lion of Lufodo”, adding that his life had been “well lived and fought”.
Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and later travelled to Britain, where he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
He subsequently featured in British television programmes and international productions before establishing himself as a major presence in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
With a career lasting more than five decades, he featured in several productions, including My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day.
His powerful performances and versatility earned him widespread admiration and established him as one of the respected elder statesmen of Nollywood.
Among his major achievements was winning the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He also received various lifetime achievement recognitions for his contribution to African cinema.
In 2011, the Nigerian government honoured Jacobs with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), acknowledging his significant contribution to the country’s film industry.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Silva founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, institutions that have supported the production of entertainment content and helped train emerging performers in Nigeria.
Jacobs became less visible in public life in his later years because of declining health.
In 2021, Silva revealed that he had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy bodies, a progressive neurological condition.
His health had previously prompted several false reports of his death.
The family repeatedly dismissed such claims, with his eldest son, Soji, confirming in June 2024 that the veteran actor was still alive at the time.
Jacobs leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of Nigerian entertainment, with his work continuing to influence the country’s theatre, television and film sectors.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong