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

The death of the celebrated actor was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his family. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirmed the news in separate social media posts. The family said Jacobs died on September 16 and appealed to bloggers and social media users to respect their privacy as they mourned.

Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a career spanning theatre, British television, international film and Nigeria’s film industry. He was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself as one of the country’s most recognised actors.

Jacobs became known to audiences through a long list of stage, television and film performances and later became one of the prominent figures associated with the development of Nollywood.

His career included appearances in British television productions and international films before his work in Nigerian cinema brought him widespread recognition. He was also involved in film production and, together with Joke Silva, was associated with Lufodo Productions and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Throughout his career, Jacobs received several major honours for his contribution to the Nigerian and African entertainment industries.

In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later received an Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a lifetime achievement recognition from the African Movie Academy Awards.

The Nigerian government also honoured him with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the country.

His influence extended beyond individual performances, with his career spanning several generations of Nigerian actors and helping establish the profile of Nigerian cinema both locally and internationally.

Jacobs’ death had previously been the subject of repeated false reports on social media.

In June 2024, for example, reports claiming that the actor had died circulated widely online. His family subsequently confirmed that he was alive, while other Nigerian media organisations also reported the clarification.

Those earlier reports led to repeated warnings about the dangers of spreading unverified information about public figures.

The latest announcement, however, has been confirmed by members of Jacobs’ immediate family. His death announcement stated that he was born on July 11, 1942, and died on September 16, 2026.

News of Jacobs’ death is expected to trigger tributes from colleagues, filmmakers, actors and admirers across Nigeria and beyond.

For decades, he was regarded as one of the veteran figures of Nigeria’s acting industry, particularly for his work across theatre, television and film.

His death marks the end of a career that lasted more than five decades and included work across both Nigerian and international productions.

Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, and their family.

As the Nigerian entertainment industry mourns one of its veteran performers, attention is expected to turn to his extensive body of work and the influence he had on generations of actors and filmmakers.