Veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has left behind a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Jacobs, who died at the age of 84, was born on July 11, 1942, in Kano and traced his roots to the Egba Alake community in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He developed an interest in acting while growing up, participating in school drama, debating activities and church programmes.
His passion for acting grew after he watched a performance by legendary Nigerian theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde, an experience that encouraged him to pursue the performing arts professionally.
Jacobs later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He subsequently worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in several British television productions during the 1970s.
His international acting credits included appearances in productions such as The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, The Professionals and The Tomorrow People. He also featured in international films including The Dogs of War, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s growing film and television industry.
He appeared in hundreds of productions and became particularly known for portraying kings, traditional rulers, chiefs, patriarchs and other authoritative characters. His commanding voice and stage experience helped establish him as one of the most recognisable veteran actors in Nollywood.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, founded the Lufodo Group, which has interests in film production, distribution and performing arts education. They also established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts to train aspiring performers.
His contribution to the creative industry earned him several honours. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and received other industry recognition, including the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
The Federal Government also honoured him in 2011 with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for his contribution to Nigerian arts.
Jacobs’ career connected traditional theatre with Nigeria’s modern film and television industry, while his international experience gave him a presence that extended beyond Nigeria.
