20 notable films starring late veteran actor Olu Jacobs - Punch Newspapers

Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, better known as Olu Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, bringing to an end a screen career that spanned British theatre and television, international cinema and Nollywood. His son, Olusoji, announced his death, prompting tributes from politicians, entertainers and fans who remembered his decades-long career and contribution to the Nigerian film industry. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Jacobs built a career that included international productions in the 1970s and 1980s and hundreds of Nigerian films. Beyond acting, Jacobs worked as a producer and stage director and was a co-founder of the Lufodo Group with his wife, actress Joke Silva. Here are 20 films that feature different stages of his career, from his early international appearances to his later Nigerian productions: 1. Ashanti (1979) Ashanti was among the earliest films in Jacobs’ documented filmography. He played Commissioner Batak in the 1979 adventure film, which featured Michael Caine, Peter Ustinov and Kabir Bedi. The film provides an early record of Jacobs’ work in international cinema. 2. The Dogs of War (1980) Jacobs played a Customs Officer in The Dogs of War, the 1980 film adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s novel. Directed by John Irvin and starring Christopher Walken, the film follows mercenaries involved in a military operation in an unnamed African country. The production became one of Jacobs’ recognised early international screen credits. 3. Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) Jacobs appeared as Colonel Nsogbu in Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, an adventure film produced by Walt Disney’s Touchstone Pictures. The film follows researchers who discover a previously unknown dinosaur species during an expedition in Africa. Jacobs’ appearance added another international production to his filmography. Olu Jacobs. Photo credit: Web 4. Pirates (1986) Roman Polanski’s Pirates featured Jacobs as Boomako. Released in 1986 and starring Walter Matthau as Captain Red, the adventure comedy marked another international production in Jacobs’ early screen career. 5. Greatness (2007) After his early international film appearances, Jacobs featured in the Nigerian production Greatness, playing a King. The film is among the Nigerian titles listed in his documented filmography. 6. Smoke & Mirrors (2008) Jacobs played Alhaji Sanni in Smoke & Mirrors, another Nigerian production in his filmography. The role came during a period when his screen career was increasingly associated with Nigerian cinema. 7. League of Gentlemen (2009) In League of Gentlemen, Jacobs portrayed Chief Kolade. The 2009 film is listed among his documented acting credits. 8. Bent Arrows (2010) Jacobs played Mr Johnson in Bent Arrows, released in 2010. The film is among the productions that featured the veteran actor during his later career. 9. Sacred Lies (2011) Jacobs portrayed Theodore in Sacred Lies. [VIDEO] THROWBACK: Olu Jacobs suffered from degenerative brain disease — Joke Silva Tinubu mourns Olu Jacobs, calls him creative industry giant Minister mourns Olu Jacobs, says ‘Nigeria has lost a lion’ The 2011 production was one of several films in which he took on supporting and character roles during the period. 10. White Chapel (2011) Jacobs appeared as Chief Tonye in White Chapel, another 2011 production listed in his filmography. 11. Adesuwa (2012) Jacobs played Ezomo in Adesuwa, a historical Nigerian drama directed by Lancelot Imasuen. The film is set against the history and culture of the Benin Kingdom and centres on the story of a young woman whose life becomes connected to the political and social structures of the kingdom. 12. Potomanto (2013) In Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s Potomanto, Jacobs played Bankole. The Ghanaian-Nigerian thriller follows an investigation that uncovers a network involved in organ trafficking. Jacobs appeared alongside Adjetey Anang and Yvonne Okoro. Potomanto is listed as a 2013 film in available filmography records. 13. The Antique (2014) Jacobs played Oba Ekpen in The Antique, a Nigerian drama-adventure film. The story follows a young woman tasked with recovering a sacred antique from a forbidden land in an attempt to save a royal heir. Jacobs starred alongside Bimbo Akintola, Gabriel Afolayan and Funsho Adeolu. 14. Bloody Ring (2014) Jacobs portrayed Osuma in Bloody Ring, another 2014 production listed among his acting credits. 15. Oloibiri (2015) In Oloibiri, Jacobs played Timipre in a story centred on the impact of oil exploration on communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Directed by Curtis Graham, the film featured Richard Mofe-Damijo, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Daniel K. Daniel. Available filmography records list Oloibiri as a 2015 film, although some accounts have given 2016 as its release year. 16. Dry (2015) Jacobs played the Speaker in Stephanie Linus’ Dry, a film that explores child marriage and its consequences. The film tells the story of young girls affected by child marriage and related health and social challenges. 17. One Fine Day (2015) Jacobs was also part of the cast of One Fine Day, a Nigerian production released in 2015, according to available filmography records. 18. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017) Jacobs played Richard in The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, appearing alongside his wife, actress Joke Silva. Directed by Ishaya Bako, the romantic comedy follows a Nigerian chef who returns home and becomes involved in efforts to save her family’s struggling hotel. The film was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and became one of Jacobs’ later recognised screen appearances. 19. Victims (2017) Jacobs portrayed Baba Deolu in Victims, another 2017 production in his documented filmography. 20. Unveil (2017) Unveil completes the 20-film selection and is also listed among Jacobs’ 2017 acting credits. His wider filmography extends far beyond the 20 titles listed here. His Nigerian screen credits alone are estimated to exceed 300 titles, although IMDb currently records 216 acting credits for the late icon. Saheed Oyelakin Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.

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