Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84, with his family announcing his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death on Instagram on behalf of the family. The family identified the actor by his full name, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR), and gave his dates as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026.

The family described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” It also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.

A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades

Olu Jacobs was one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a career that included British television, international productions and Nigerian cinema. He subsequently became one of the veteran figures associated with the development of Nollywood.

His career earned him several major honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and Nigeria’s national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were also closely associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Family Confirms Death After Previous False Reports

The confirmation comes after years in which false reports about Jacobs’ death circulated on social media.

In 2024, his family publicly rejected another death rumour, with his son Olusoji confirming that the actor was alive.

This time, however, the announcement has come directly from his family and has been independently reported by multiple Nigerian and international media organisations.

No cause of death was provided in the family’s announcement, and GhanaMedia will not speculate about the circumstances of his passing.

GhanaMedia Verification

VERDICT: VERIFIED — DEATH CONFIRMED BY FAMILY AND MULTIPLE CREDIBLE NEWS OUTLETS.

The supplied TRT Afrika report is consistent with the family’s announcement and multiple independent reports published on September 16, 2026. The actor died at 84, and the death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.

Olu Jacobs leaves behind a legacy spanning theatre, television and film and several generations of African audiences.

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