Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

The family described the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” Olusoji wrote.

The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the mourning period.

“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” the statement added.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his professional acting career in Britain, where he featured in several television productions and international films.

Upon his return to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of the prominent figures in the country’s growing film industry, earning recognition for his performances in numerous Nigerian productions.

He was particularly known for portraying authoritative characters, including traditional rulers and father figures, and became one of the familiar faces of Nollywood.

Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, were involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Jacobs was also a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, conferred on him in 2011 for his contribution to the arts.

His later years were marked by health challenges. Silva had previously disclosed that Jacobs was living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative condition.

His death brings to an end the career of one of Nigeria’s prominent actors, whose work spanned British television, international productions and Nollywood.