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, on Instagram on Wednesday.
In a family statement, he was described as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family expressed gratitude to God for a life well lived and appealed to bloggers and social media users to respect their privacy during this period.

Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career that spanned theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his professional work in Britain, appearing in stage productions, British television and international films.

After returning to Nigeria, he became a leading figure in the country’s film industry and was widely regarded as one of the founding veterans of Nollywood.

Over the years, he received several major awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva.