PROMINENT Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has finally taken a bow out of the scene at the age of 84.
According to post announcing his death on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, his son, Olusoji Jacobs, said the family was grateful for his life and asked the public to respect their privacy.
He wrote: “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, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families’ privacy at this time.”
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most notable veteran actors, film executive and major figure in the development of Nigeria’s contemporary film industry, with a career across theatre, television and film, who was widely recognised for his commanding performances and roles across Nigerian and international productions, and was also a film executive, who alongside his wife and actress, Joke Silva, was involved in the Lufodo Group and the development of performing arts in Nigeria.
The late veteran actor, who celebrated his 84th birthday on 11 July, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films.
Upon returning to Nigeria, he became a known figure in the film industry and was regarded as one of the veteran figures who made Nollywood thick.
No wonder he won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Before now, there had been several rumours and reports of his death in the media, particularly in the social media, which turned out not to be true.
