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| Veteran Nigerian actor and elder statesman, Oludotun Jacobs |
Beyond the iconic roles, powerful voice, and unforgettable screen presence was a remarkable actor whose career helped bridge Nigerian theatre, television, and film with audiences around the world
From the stages of Britain to the heart of Nollywood, Olu Jacobs carved out an illustrious career spanning more than five decades and captivating generations of audiences.
Beyond his iconic roles, commanding voice and unforgettable screen presence was a gifted actor whose remarkable journey helped bridge Nigerian theatre, television and film with audiences around the world.
Here are 10 key things to know about the life, career, and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, whose death was announced on September 16, 2026.
1. He was born in Kano State
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano, though he hailed from the Egba Alake community of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He spent his early years in Kano, where he attended Holy Trinity School and became actively involved in the debating and drama societies. His participation in these activities sparked his early interest in acting and laid the foundation for his celebrated career in the performing arts.
2. Hubert Ogunde inspired him
His passion for acting was further ignited after attending a performance by legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde, an experience that inspired Jacobs to pursue acting professionally.
3. He trained in London
Olu Jacobs later moved to the United Kingdom to pursue formal training in drama, enrolling at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, one of Britain’s renowned institutions for theatrical arts.
4. He had a British TV career
Before rising to prominence as a Nollywood icon, he featured in several British television productions, including The Goodies, The Dogs of War, The Professionals, and The Tomorrow People.
5. He appeared in international films
His notable film credits include The Dogs of War (1980), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985), and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986).
6. He became a Nollywood institution
Throughout his career of more than five decades, Jacobs featured in hundreds of theatre, television and film productions.
7. Kings became his signature roles
His commanding voice and powerful screen presence made him especially memorable in roles portraying kings, chiefs, traditional rulers and patriarchs.
8. He won major acting honours
Jacobs earned numerous awards and honours throughout his illustrious acting career. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also received other notable recognitions, including the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and Nigeria’s national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his decades of contribution to the film industry.
9. He and Joke Silva built together
His marriage to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva blossomed into both a personal and professional partnership. The couple went on to establish the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s performing arts industry.
10. His legacy goes beyond acting
From the British stage to international cinema and Nollywood, Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career across theatre, television and film, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s modern acting industry.