Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs dies aged 84, family confirms

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

Jacobs’s family announced the news on social media on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Olusoji Jacobs, late legendary actor Olu Jacobs’s son, wrote a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “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.”

While no further details were shared regarding the cause of his death, the family stressed to all social media influencers to respect privacy at the difficult time.

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

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s towering figures in performing arts, with a career spanning over several decades across theatre, television, and film.

Besides his on-screen career, he was instrumental in uplifting Nigerian cinema as a film executive.

Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and later moved to London, where he pursued performing arts at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The late actor was well recognised for his magnetic screen presence and memorable performances in Nigerian and international productions.

In 2011, Jacobs was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

Jacobs, during his stunning career that spanned over more than five decades, received a multitude of accolades, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and lifetime achievement honours.