Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His wife, also a veteran actress, Joke Silva, revealed in 2021 that Jacobs was diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). It had to do with what Doctor described as a progressive neurological condition that affects thinking, memory, perception, movement and other brain functions. Joke Silva said then that her husband had already been experiencing the problem for a couple of years before 2021.
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a form of dementia associated with abnormal deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It can cause memory and thinking difficulties, confusion or changes in attention, visual hallucinations in some people, problems with movement and balance, sleep disturbances and fluctuations between periods of greater and lesser clarity.
Olusoji Jacobs, the son of the veteran actor, officially announced his death today, September 16, in a statement shared on social media.
The statement said that Olu Jacobs, whom they referred to as “The Lion of Lufodo,” lived a life for which they remained grateful to God.
“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. Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)
11/07/1942-16/09/2026
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”
Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and went on to build a career spanning several decades across theatre, television and film.
His interest in acting developed early in life before he moved to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
His professional journey included performances on stage, appearances in British television productions and roles in international films before he eventually returned to Nigeria.
Back home, Jacobs became a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, appearing in numerous productions and earning recognition for his versatility and commanding screen presence.
He was particularly known for portraying characters requiring authority, maturity and an impressive delivery of dialogue.
Beyond his work as an actor, Jacobs also contributed to the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry as a film executive.
He and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were involved in the Lufodo Group and the establishment of the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The academy formed part of their efforts to support the performing arts and provide training opportunities for young talents seeking careers in theatre and film.
Jacobs’ death marks the end of a distinguished career that helped shape Nigeria’s theatre and screen industries over several generations.
Olu Jacobs and his wife were blessed with three children: Dayo Jacobs, who died at about age 10, Olusoji Jacobs and Olugbenga Jacobs.
Source: partly from Promptnews.
