Olu Jacobs, a veteran actor who rose to international acclaim and became a defining patriarch of modern Nigerian cinema, has died aged 84.
His family confirmed the death on Wednesday morning in a statement shared on social media.
“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,” his son Olusoji Jacobs wrote in a family statement.
The family also appealed directly to the public and digital outlets, adding: “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”
Details surrounding the cause of death were not immediately disclosed.
Born in 1942, Jacobs’ legendary career spanned more than five decades across the United Kingdom and Nigeria. After training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, his early screen credits included British television classics such as “The Goodies” and “The Professionals,” alongside international film appearances.
He worked as an actor for most of his life, returning to Nigeria in the 1980s to help pioneer the booming Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, where he built an enduring legacy playing authoritative monarchs and beloved father figures.
Behind his celebrated artistic career lay a severe personal health battle in his final years.
In 2021, his wife of nearly four decades, veteran actress Joke Silva, revealed that Jacobs had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), a progressive neurodegenerative condition.
The diagnosis ended years during which the family repeatedly had to debunk false internet rumors surrounding his health.
Tributes pour in online
Within minutes of the family’s post, the announcement drawn an outpouring of grief and reverence from industry peers, celebrities, and fans across social media.
Actor and comedian Debo Adedayo, known as Mr Macaroni, hailed him as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all!” while actor Shawn Faqua described him as “an Iroko indeed.”
Singer Darey Art Alade offered a poignant farewell, writing, “Go well Dad,” as actress Kehinde Bankole celebrated his life as “A beautiful life! A legendary legacy! A peaceful rest.”
“Thank you for the joy you brought to us and for your contribution to the entertainment industry,” wrote actress Chisom Steve. “We love and appreciate you, sir.”
Creator Oli Ekun added: “Thank you for your contribution to the Arts, Olu Jacobs. You were one of one and will be sorely missed,” while designer Diah Interiors echoed the sentiment: “What a life, what a legacy! Rest in peace Legend.”
A legacy of artistry
Throughout his later years, industry colleagues and admirers routinely reflected on the deep bond between Jacobs and his wife. Together, the couple co-founded Lufodo Group, a media and performing arts firm that helped groom generations of Nigerian creative talent.
Speaking candidly in past interviews about his cognitive decline, Silva described the emotional weight of caring for a partner facing dementia while holding on to their shared history.
“It’s been hard on him because he doesn’t understand everything that is going on, and hard on the family,” she previously shared during a television interview addressing his health. “I miss the times we worked together, but we remain deeply grateful for every clear, beautiful moment we have.”
Jacobs was conferred with the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 and received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
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