Legendary Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs dies aged 84

Legendary Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has died at the grand old age of 84.

The news was officially confirmed by his family this morning, Wednesday, 16th September 2O26, through a statement shared by his son Olusoji Jacobs, with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also part of the family announcement.

For years, Olu Jacobs had been the subject of several false death rumours online, with his family repeatedly having to dismiss reports of his passing. But this time, the news has sadly been confirmed by the family.

In the statement, the family announced his passing with gratitude for what they described as a life well lived and fought, referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo”

Olu Jacobs was more than just an actor to many Nigerians. He was one of those faces that helped shape the Nollywood many of us grew up watching, with a career that spanned decades and earned him a place among Nigeria’s most respected acting legends.

From the old movies to the countless characters he brought to life, his voice, presence and style of acting became familiar to generations.