Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the period of mourning.
The statement read: “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 Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR).
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertory theatres and featured in British television productions and international films.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became a major figure in the country’s emerging film industry and was widely regarded as one of the pioneers and veteran faces of Nollywood.
His contributions to the Nigerian film industry earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva, with whom he had children.
His death marks the passing of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable actors whose career helped shape the country’s theatre, television and film industries.
