Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (Olu Jacobs), widely known as “The Lion of Lufodo,” has died at the age of 84.

His family announced the passing on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Multiple reports cite a statement posted by his son Olusoji Jacobs. The wording closely matches what you shared:“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 Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR)”
The family listed his dates as 11 July 1942 – 16 September 2026 and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy.

Olu Jacobs trained at RADA in London, worked in British theatre and television, then became one of the defining figures of Nigerian film and stage. He appeared in more than 100 productions, won the AMAA Best Actor award in 2007, received the AMVCA Industry Merit Award, and was honoured with the national title Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). With his wife, Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. In later years he lived with Lewy body dementia, and death rumours had circulated several times before this confirmation.

He is survived by Joke Silva and their sons. The family has requested space to mourn.