Veteran Actor, Olu Jacobs Confirmed Dead by Family
Is Olu Jacobs dead? His family has confirmed the death of the veteran Nollywood actor at 84, ending years of false reports about his passing.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs have been pronounced dead at the age of 84, with his family confirming his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Jacobs’ son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his father’s death, while his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, confirmed the passing. The family described Jacobs as the “Lion of Lufodo” and asked the public to respect their privacy as they mourn.
The news is significant because Olu Jacobs had been the subject of repeated fake death reports over the years. In July 2024, for example, Punch reported that false rumours of his death had circulated shortly before his 82nd birthday, while Premium Times also documented earlier death rumours that had been debunked by his wife and family.
Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, Olu Jacobs built a career spanning theatre, television and film and became a recognisable figure in Nigerian cinema. His death at 84 marks the end of the career of one of Nollywood’s most celebrated veteran actors.
