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Veteran Nigerian movie star and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, famous everywhere as Olu Jacobs, has died. He was 84.
The sad news of his passing was confirmed on Wednesday through an Instagram post shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.
In an emotional tribute, the grieving family referred to the late icon as The Lion of Lufodo
while pleading with content creators, bloggers, and online commentators to honor their need for space during this mourning period.
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.
We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.
Celebrated across Africa, Jacobs remains one of the most influential pioneers in the history of Nigerian stage, television, and cinema.
He honed his craft at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the United Kingdom, launching his career on British theater stages before featuring in UK television series and international movie projects.
Upon his return home, he became a pillar of the Nigerian movie industry, earning his status as a founding father of modern Nollywood.
Throughout his decades-long career, the screen giant collected top accolades, including winning Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). He was later honored with the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 AMVCAs and a Lifetime Achievement Award from AMAA in 2016.
In 2011, the Federal Government decorated him with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his distinguished service to Nigerian culture.
He was happily married to renowned screen legend Joke Silva.
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