Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death in a statement shared on Instagram, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and announcing his passing with gratitude for a life he said was well lived. The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the period of mourning.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs had a distinguished career that stretched across British theatre and television, international cinema and Nigeria’s rapidly developing film industry. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and subsequently worked with theatre companies in Britain, while appearing in several television productions and international films before eventually returning to Nigeria.
His international screen credits included appearances in productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals, The Tomorrow People and The Venturers. He also featured in international films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates. His experience abroad provided a strong foundation for the commanding performances that later became synonymous with his name in Nigerian cinema.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs established himself as one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s theatre, television and film industries. His distinctive voice, commanding screen presence and ability to portray complex and authoritative characters made him a familiar face to generations of Nigerian viewers. He was particularly associated with roles involving kings, traditional rulers, patriarchs, elders and other figures of authority.
Over the course of his career, Jacobs featured in more than 100 films, several of which became memorable productions in Nigerian cinema. Among the notable films associated with his career were The Figurine, Last Flight to Abuja, Phone Swap, Adesuwa, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Citation, Blood and Oil, Dry, The Antique, Critical Decision, Power of One, Super Story, A Time to Love, End of the Wicked, Keeping Faith, The Kingmaker, Saworoide, Owo Blow and Agony. These productions reflected the breadth of his work across different eras and genres of African cinema.
Jacobs' contribution to the arts extended beyond acting. Alongside his wife, fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, he was associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the development and training of performers in Nigeria. Their partnership represented both a personal union and a significant professional collaboration within the country's creative industry.
His achievements earned him several major honours. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. In 2011, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
Beyond the awards and memorable characters, Jacobs became part of the generation of Nigerian actors whose careers helped shape the country's modern entertainment industry. His transition from British theatre and television to Nigerian cinema gave him a career that crossed continents, generations and dramatic traditions. His work also provided a bridge between the established theatre culture and the expanding Nollywood industry.
His passing has since drawn tributes from political leaders, government officials, actors and other members of the creative community. The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the creative industry, noting that his contribution to the arts spanned more than five decades.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a formidable body of work and a legacy that extends beyond the screen. Through his performances, professional discipline, international experience and contribution to arts education, he influenced generations of performers and helped give Nigerian cinema a stronger identity at home and abroad. His death marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected acting institutions, but his performances and contribution to the arts will continue to preserve his place in the history of Nigerian entertainment.