Olu Jacobs, the Nigerian actor whose career connected British television and theatre with the rise of Nollywood, has died at the age of 84.
His wife, the veteran actress Joke Silva, announced his death on 16 September. Silva described Jacobs as 'The Lion of Lufodo', and the family appealed for privacy as they mourn.
Born Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs on 11 July 1942, he was regarded as one of the father figures of Nigeria's Nollywood film industry. His career lasted more than five decades and covered theatre, television and film.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared on British television in the 1970s. His work also included collaborations with the BBC, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, MGM, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Britain's National Theatre.
In Nigeria, his body of work included more than 300 films. His notable screen roles included My Kingdom, Covert Operation and One Fine Day.
Jacobs received the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
With Silva, Jacobs jointly established the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. The organisations formed part of a legacy that extended beyond his acting work.
Silva disclosed in 2021 that Jacobs had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy bodies. He had largely stayed away from public appearances in recent years because of ill-health.
False reports of his death had circulated before his passing. In June 2024, his eldest son, Soji, appeared on television to say that his father was still alive.
The family did not announce the circumstances or immediate cause of Jacobs's death. Details of any funeral or memorial arrangements were also not given.
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