Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs dies aged 84

ByMansur Abubakar Reporting fromAbuja. 16 September 2026, 11: 49 BST.

Key points

• Some of his notable films include My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day.
• Olu Jacobs, one of Nigeria's best known actors, whose career spanned a number of decades throughout theatre, television and film, has died at the age of 84.
• Silva confirmed his passing in an official note describing the celebrated actor as "The Lion of Lufodo" and saying his life was "well lived and fought".
• As Nigeria's film industry in known, commanding widespread respect and admiration nationwide, he was regarded as one of the father figures of Nollywood.
• He afterwards became one of the defining figures of Nigeria's film industry, appearing in numerous Nigerian productions and earning recognition for his commanding screen presence and versatility.

"We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family's privacy at this time, " Silva remarked in an official note.

Born on 11 July 1942, Jacobs was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before embarking on a career that included appearances in British television productions and international films.

His career spanned more than five decades, during which he received a number of major honours, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and lifetime achievement honours.

In 2011, Jacobs was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

Jacobs and Silva jointly established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing not only to film and television but additionally to developing and training performing artists in Nigeria.

Over recent years, Jacobs had largely stayed away from the public spotlight due to ill-health. You may additionally be interested in. Were Christians the target of the Palm Sunday attack in Nigeria? 'Nothing good was supposed to come out of me'.

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