#AkmNews - BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Icon Olu Jacobs Dies At 84

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the passing of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, *Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs*, popularly known as *Olu Jacobs*.

The legendary actor died at the age of 84 on *Wednesday, September 16, 2026*.

The news of his death was announced in a joint Instagram post by his son, *Olusoji Jacobs* and his wife, veteran actress *Joke Silva*.

In the statement, the family 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. Oludotun Baiyewunmi Jacobs (MFR) 11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026”

The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family's privacy at this time.

Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs was one of the founding fathers of modern Nigerian acting. With a career spanning more than five decades across stage, television, and film in Nigeria and the UK, he became a defining voice and presence in the industry.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, starred in several British television productions in the 1970s before returning to Nigeria to become one of the most prominent figures in Nollywood. He was also the co-founder of the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts alongside his wife.

He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor, among other honours.

President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, and colleagues across the industry have continued to pay tributes, describing him as a giant of the Nigerian creative industry.

May his soul rest in peace.