Lion Of Lufodo: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Nollywood Icon, Olu Jacobs

Nollywood Icon, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

NOP NIGERIA reports that his family announced his death on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying the actor died after a life they described as well lived and fought.

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The family identified Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while also referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo”.

Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the late Nollywood Icon:

1. Olu Jacobs was born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942. He was born in Kano and grew up to become one of Nigeria’s most recognised actors.

2. Jacobs received formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, one of the UK’s prominent drama schools.

His professional career began long before the emergence of Nollywood as it is known today, with his early work taking place in Britain.

3. Before becoming a household name in Nigeria, Jacobs featured in several British television productions during the 1970s.

His credits included The Goodies, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals. He also appeared in stage productions in Britain.

4. Jacobs’ acting career extended beyond Nigeria and British television.

He appeared in international productions including Ashanti (1979), The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) and Pirates (1986).

5. After building a career in Britain, Jacobs returned to Nigeria and became one of the actors associated with the development of the Nigerian film industry.

6. Over the course of his career, Jacobs appeared in more than 120 Nigerian films.

7. In 2007, Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Dancing Heart.

8. In 2016, Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, were jointly honoured with the AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to African cinema.

9. Jacobs and Joke Silva were one of Nollywood’s best-known celebrity couples.

The pair worked together in the entertainment industry and co-founded the Lufodo Group, which includes film production and distribution interests as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Their marriage lasted for decades, with Silva frequently speaking publicly about their relationship and shared professional journey.

10. Jacobs was honoured by the Nigerian government with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

He was also recognised with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

NOP NIGERIA