Olu Jacobs Dies at 84 After Decades in Entertainment
Olu Jacobs dies at 84, bringing an end to the career of one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, whose work across theatre, television and film spanned more than five decades.
Olu Jaco, His death was announced by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, who asked the public, including bloggers and social media influencers, to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
Silva described Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” in her statement and said his life was “well lived and fought”. The announcement marked the loss of a major figure whose career helped shape Nigeria’s film and television industry.
Nigerian Actor Olu Jacobs Became a Nollywood Icon
Jacobs was born on 11 July 1942 and later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His early career included appearances in British television productions and international films before he became a leading figure in Nigeria’s growing film industr Olu Jaco.
The Nigerian actor appeared in numerous productions and became known for his commanding screen presence and versatility. Among his notable films were My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day.
He was widely regarded as one of the father figures of Nollywood, the name commonly used for Nigeria’s film industry. His work earned widespread respect and admiration and established him as one of the industry’s defining performers.
Olu Jacobs Career Earned Major Honours
During a career lasting more than five decades, Jacobs received several major honours for his contribution to acting and the Nigerian film industry. These included the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and lifetime achievement honours.
In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Jacobs also contributed to the development of performing arts beyond his work on screen. Together with Silva, he established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, helping to support the training and development of performing artists in Nigeria.
Joke Silva Confirmed Olu Jacobs Death
In his later years, Jacobs largely remained away from public attention because of ill-health. In 2021, Silva revealed that he had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy bodies.
“It’s a degenerative disease that affects the brain and it’s almost like a Parkinson-type of disease – it affects the brain and affects the person,” Silva said during an interview with Nigerian broadcaster Chude Jideonwo.
His health had previously led to repeated false reports about his death. On several occasions, the family publicly rejected such claims, including in June 2024 when Jacobs’ eldest son, Soji, appeared on television and confirmed that his father was still alive.
The announcement of Olu Jacobs’ death now closes a remarkable chapter in Nigerian entertainment. His decades-long contribution to theatre, television and film leaves him remembered as a prominent figure in the development and growth of Nollywood.