Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has passed away.

Jacobs’ passing was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post on Wednesday. The family described the acclaimed actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed for privacy as they mourned his passing.

“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 family stated.

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 before appearing in British television productions and international films, eventually becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema.

The veteran actor was also a co-founder of the Lufodo Group alongside his wife, actress Joke Silva. In recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian arts, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.