Olu Jacobs biography, birthday, age, wife, children, movies, awards

Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, was a veteran Nigerian actor, film executive and theatre practitioner whose career spanned several decades across theatre, television and film.

Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during their period of mourning. 

Early Life and Education

Olu Jacobs was born in Kano, Nigeria, to parents of Egba Alake origin from Ogun State. He spent much of his early childhood in Kano, where he attended Holy Trinity School and developed an interest in drama and public speaking.

He later travelled to England, where he trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. 

Acting Career

Jacobs began his professional career in Britain, appearing in television productions and stage plays before eventually returning to Nigeria.

His British television credits included The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also appeared in international films, including The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend. 

After returning to Nigeria, he became one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian film and television. He went on to feature in more than 100 films, including several productions that became popular among Nigerian audiences.

Olu Jacobs’ Wife

Olu Jacobs was married to veteran Nigerian actress Joke Silva. The couple met through theatre and married in 1989. Their marriage became one of the most recognised partnerships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. 

Together, they were involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, through which they contributed to training and developing people in Nigeria’s creative industry. 

Children

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva were publicly reported to have two children, although some biographical publications have reported additional family details inconsistently. For a news biography, it is safest to state that the couple had two children, as supported by several biographical sources. 

Olu Jacobs’ Movies

Some of the notable films and productions associated with Olu Jacobs include:

The Dogs of War (1980)

Pirates (1986)

Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985)

Ashanti

The Third Eye

Adesuwa

Potomanto

Oloibiri

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel

21 Days with Christ

Burning Kingdom

Mirror of Beauty

The Return of Ogidi

He was also widely recognised for his work in Nigerian stage productions and television dramas. 

Awards and Honours

Throughout his career, Olu Jacobs received numerous awards and recognitions.

Among them were:

2007 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role

2011 Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), a Nigerian national honour

2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Industry Merit Award

2016 AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award

AFRIFF Lifetime Achievement Award

Other industry and continental honours recognising his contribution to African cinema. 

Olu Jacobs’ Death

Olu Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death on Instagram, describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle and referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy while they mourned. 

Legacy

Olu Jacobs leaves behind a career that connected British theatre and television, Nigerian theatre and the modern Nollywood industry.

His work as an actor, film executive and mentor made him one of the veteran figures whose careers helped shape Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

He was also part of a celebrated acting partnership with Joke Silva, with whom he contributed to the development of young professionals through Lufodo.