​Nigerian veteran actor Olu Jacobs has passed away at the age of 84.

​His wife, actress Joke Silva, announced his death and aske​d the public to give the family privacy as they mourn.​ Asking bloggers and social media influencers not to disturb the family in their time of sorrow.

She called her husband "The Lion of Lufodo" and said his life was "well lived and fought". ​

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Olu Jacobs was a familiar face in the Nigerian film and TV industry for more than half a century. He also acted in theatre, British TV and foreign movies before becoming one of the established names in Nollywood.

President Bola Tinubu joined the list of people remembering the actor. According to Tinubu, Jacobs made an important contribution to the cultural identity of the country and its image abroad.

In his statement, issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Jacobs made a big impact on Nigeria's entertainment industry.

Before coming to Nigeria, Olu Jacobs had graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and acted in British TV and various foreign movies. After returning to Nigeria, he continued to work in the country's film industry.

Among his film credits are My Kingdom, Covert Operation, and One Fine Day. Jacobs was known for his charismatic screen presence and versatility in his roles.

He was also recognised with several awards during his acting career. Among them was the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, as well as lifetime achievement honours. In 2011, he received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

Jacobs and his wife were involved in film and TV production not only as actors but also in other areas of the industry. They established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where they were involved in film, television and performer training.

President Tinubu said Jacobs influenced generations of actors and filmmakers and contributed to the development of the Nigerian entertainment industry.

"He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry," said the president, adding that his death was a loss not only for Nigeria but also for the African film industry and people who love the performing arts around the world.

In his later years, Jacobs had stayed away from the public eye. In 2021, his wife, Joke Silva, said that her husband had been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies.

The death of the actor had been incorrectly reported several times. In June 2024, his eldest son, Soji Jacobs, appeared on a TV programme and denied the report of his father's death.

For many Nigerians, the name of Jacobs was always associated with the country's film and TV industry. His death marks the end of a long career that began on the British stage and screen before he became one of the recognised senior figures of Nollywood.