The global film community and the Nigerian entertainment industry have been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of legendary veteran actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, universally known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

The death of the cinematic patriarch was officially confirmed by his family on Wednesday morning. His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his peaceful passing through a statement shared on social media, expressing immense gratitude for a life defined by artistic excellence, discipline, and profound cultural impact. 

"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," the family statement read.

Widely revered as one of the foundational pillars of modern African cinema, Jacobs enjoyed an illustrious career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television, and international film. He trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and broke barriers in the 1970s by appearing in several classic British television series and international Hollywood productions before returning home to help pioneer Nollywood. 

Known for his commanding screen presence, resonant baritone voice, and unparalleled interpretation of royal and patriarchal roles, Jacobs set the gold standard for acting across the continent. His monumental contributions to the nation’s artistic heritage earned him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011, alongside multiple lifetime achievement awards. 

In their time of grief, the family has appealed to the public and digital media operators to give them space during their bereavement. "We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family`s privacy at this time," Olusoji added.

Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife of nearly four decades, the equally revered veteran actress Joke Silva, alongside his children and grandchildren. Tributes from political leaders, Nollywood colleagues, and generations of fans have already begun pouring in to celebrate the legacy of an irreplaceable cultural icon.