The African showbiz is mourning the loss of one of its most revered pioneers. Nigeria’s Legendary actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs peacefully passed away on Wednesday (Sept. 16), at the age of 84.
Fondly known as “The Lion of Lufodo,” Jacobs was a towering figure who bridged the gap between the old guard of theater and the modern era of African cinema.
Born on July 11, 1942, in Kano to parents from Ogun State, Jacobs discovered his passion for the arts early in life. He traveled to England in the 1960s to hone his craft, training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. During the 1970s and 1980s, he achieved international acclaim, starring in British television series and Hollywood classics such as The Dogs of War (1980) and Roman Polanski’s Pirates (1986).
Upon his return to Nigeria, Jacobs became a cornerstone of the emerging Nollywood industry. With his iconic, deep resonant voice and regal bearing, he became world-famous for his impeccable portrayal of kings, chiefs, and wise patriarchs in over 120 films.
He is also known for some of his seminal works like: Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985); The Third Eye (1990); Adesuwa (2012); Oloibiri (2015) and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017).
His immense contributions earned him Nigeria’s national honor as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2016.
In his later years, the acclaimed actor battled Lewy Body Dementia with immense dignity, heavily supported by his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife of over three decades, veteran actress Joke Silva, his children, and grandchildren. His legacy as the godfather of African cinema will forever inspire generations to come.
