Amanze Chinonye
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84, his family announced on Wednesday, Prime Business Africa reports.
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His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death in an Instagram post, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asking the public to respect the family’s privacy. His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also confirmed the death in a separate post.
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Born on July 11, 1942, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Jacobs built a career spanning British television, theatre, international film and Nollywood. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in repertory theatre and appearing in British television productions.
He returned to Nigeria in the 1980s and became one of the country’s most recognisable actors, appearing in numerous stage, television and film productions. He was particularly known for roles as political leaders, traditional rulers and other authority figures.
Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 for Dancing Heart. He received an Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
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The Nigerian government honoured him with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Jacobs and Silva, whom he married in 1985, co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to film production and professional training in Nigeria.
His death marks the end of a career spanning more than five decades and encompassing theatre, television and film.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
