Nigeria’s entertainment industry is mourning veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who died on September 16, 2026, aged 84.
The actor’s death has triggered tributes from colleagues and fans across the industry, including Funke Akindele, Bukky Wright, Ini Edo, Broda Shaggi and Mr Macaroni.
According to a report by Legit.ng, Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades, moving from British theatre and international productions to becoming one of Nollywood’s most respected figures.
Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, he trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before establishing himself in theatre, television and film. His performances in historical dramas, comedies and socially conscious productions earned him a reputation for authority and dignity.
Here are 10 films that reflect the different stages of his remarkable career.
His international breakthrough
1. Ashanti (1979)
Jacobs played Commissioner Batak in the international adventure drama Ashanti, appearing alongside Michael Caine and Peter Ustinov.
The role marked an important stage in his international career, coming before the modern Nollywood industry had taken shape.
2. The Dogs of War (1980)
In John Irvin’s adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s novel, Jacobs portrayed a Customs Officer.
He shared the screen with Christopher Walken in the military-focused production, further demonstrating the level of international work he had secured through his British theatre background.
3. Pirates (1986)
Roman Polanski’s Pirates added another major international production to Jacobs’ growing filmography.
He played Boomako alongside Walter Matthau in the adventure comedy, continuing his run of prominent roles outside Nigeria.
His rise in Nigerian cinema
4. Twins of the Rain Forest (1999)
Directed by Odion P. Agboh, this short Nigerian drama featured Jacobs alongside his wife, Joke Silva.
He played an expectant father struggling with a village tradition that called for newborn twins to be killed.
The story examined tradition, moral courage and the painful choices faced by families.
5. The Kingmaker (2003)
The Kingmaker helped establish Jacobs as one of Nollywood’s most commanding royal figures.
The film, which he co-starred in and co-produced with Silva, showcased the dignity and authority that became closely associated with his performances. It also contributed to his popular nickname, the “Igwe of Nollywood”.
6. Eye of the Gods (2004)
Jacobs took on a different kind of role in Andy Amenechi’s village allegory.
As Agumba, he portrayed a man caught between his community and a corrupt princess. The performance, alongside Stephanie Okereke and Ini Edo, highlighted his ability to move beyond the royal characters for which he was widely known.
7. Dancing Heart (2006)
The comedy-drama gave Jacobs the role of a struggling writer who sends his wife to flirt in search of inspiration.
His performance balanced humour with emotional complexity and earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 2007 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Films with a deeper social message
1. Dry (2015)
Directed by Stephanie Linus, Dry confronted the consequences of child marriage.
Jacobs played a Speaker, representing an institutional voice within the film’s crisis. The production later won Best Overall Movie at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
2. Oloibiri (2016)
In Oloibiri, Jacobs played Timipre in a politically charged story about the exploitation of Nigeria’s Niger Delta by oil companies.
His performance alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo earned him the 2017 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
3. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)
Jacobs portrayed Richard in Ishaya Bako’s romantic comedy, appearing with Joke Silva and Zainab Balogun.
Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film was his final on-screen appearance and offered a fitting closing chapter to his celebrated career.
A career marked by major honours
Jacobs appeared in more than 120 Nollywood productions and received several major honours during his career.
In 2011, the Nigerian government awarded him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
He later received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
The actor was also honoured by the Africa International Film Festival in 2021.
His death marks the loss of a performer whose commanding voice, presence and versatility helped shape African cinema for generations.
