Veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his passing in a post on Instagram on Wednesday.
In the statement, the family expressed gratitude for his life and asked the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in the United Kingdom, where he began his career in British television and film productions before returning to Nigeria.
He went on to become one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actors, featuring in over 120 films and earning recognition as a pioneer of the industry.
In 2011, he was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by then President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2013, he received the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Industry Merit Award for his contributions to African cinema.
He was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
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