By Ovio Peters
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has confirmed the death of veteran actor and filmmaker, Chief Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The announcement places one of Nollywood’s most recognisable figures at the centre of national mourning and reflection on the evolution of Nigeria’s film industry.
DEVELOPMENT:
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the NFC, Dr Ali Nuhu, in a statement released in Jos by Mr. Brian Etuk, Director, Public Affairs, NFC, described Olu Jacobs’ death as “deeply painful, indelible and a great loss to Nigeria’s film industry”.
Nuhu said that Jacobs’ several decades of domestic and offshore practice made an impactful contribution to the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry.
“We recall with nostalgia, his unparalleled positive impact and influence on the family, his peers, friends, as well as the domestic and diasporic television and film community,” Nuhu said.
He described Jacobs as “a man of exceptional courage, truth, integrity, a filmmaker, storyteller, mentor, and patriot with distinction.”
DATA:
The central measure of Jacobs’ contribution is the longevity and breadth of his career. Across several decades, he appeared in television soaps, feature films and documentaries, building a body of work that reached audiences in Nigeria and beyond.
He was also among Nigeria’s early iconic film stakeholders and was recognised nationally with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
SIGNIFICANCE:
Jacobs’ career represents an important phase in the institutional development of Nigerian cinema. His work extended beyond entertainment, with the NFC noting his commitment to positive narratives and conversations around scaling Nigeria’s cinema industry.
For the creative economy, his death also highlights the value of preserving the institutional memory, professional standards and intellectual heritage of pioneers who helped shape Nollywood.
NEXT MOVE:
Attention will turn to tributes from government, the film industry, colleagues, cultural institutions and audiences in Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as arrangements for his burial and formal commemorations of his career.
OUR LENS:
Olu Jacobs leaves behind more than a celebrated screen career. His legacy is tied to the evolution of Nigerian storytelling itself, particularly the emergence of film and television as vehicles for culture, identity and national conversation.
Nuhu said, “we will miss his iconic and distinctive voice and screen appearances, but his memories will continually be ingrained in our hearts”.
On behalf of NFC Management and Staff, Nuhu expressed appreciation to Jacobs for his “unreserved contributions to building a film industry that is inclusive, professional, and proudly Nigerian”, while praying for strength for his family and peaceful rest for the late actor.
Ovio Peters is a journalist, reporting on arts, creative economy, business, policy and economic developments through a sharp and analytical lens.
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