Legendary Nollywood actor and cultural icon Olu Jacobs has died at the age of 84 following a prolonged battle with a neurodegenerative disease.

His family officially announced his passing early on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

In a statement shared by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and his son, Olusoji Jacobs, the family expressed gratitude for “a life well lived and fought,” affectionately remembering him as “The Lion of Lufodo”. The family has appealed to the public, bloggers, and social media influencers to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

While the family did not state an immediate clinical cause of death, his passing followed a long struggle with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), publicly revealed by Joke Silva in 2021. DLB is a degenerative brain disease combining Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s symptoms, which led to his gradual withdrawal from public life.

Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, in Kano, Nigeria, his career spanned over five decades. After training at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and appearing in 1970s British television, he returned to Nigeria in the 1980s to help build Nollywood.

Known for his commanding presence and authoritative roles, he became a foundational pillar of African cinema.

His accolades included the 2007 AMAA Best Actor award, the 2013 AMVCA Industry Merit Award, and the national honor of MFR in 2011. Alongside his wife Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, mentoring countless talents. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren

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