Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs dies at 84

Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His family announced his death on Wednesday, September 16, in statements reported by several Nigerian outlets. The reports said his wife, Joke Silva, and son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirmed the news and asked the public to respect the family’s privacy.

The family described Jacobs as “The Lion of Lufodo” and said he died after “a life well lived and fought.” Premium Times reported that the announcement ended years in which the family had repeatedly debunked false reports of his death.

Jacobs was one of the best-known figures in Nigeria’s film industry. Punch reported that he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England, worked in British theatre and television, and later became a major presence in Nollywood.

He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013, and was honoured with a national award as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post, Premium Times