Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, (11 July 1942 – 16 September 2026), known professionally as Olu Jacobs, was a Nigerian actor and film executive. He began his career starring in several British television series and international films. Vanguard described him as one of the "godfathers of Nollywood" Trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, England, Olu Jacobs worked with various repertoire theatres in Britain and starred in some international movies.
In 2007, Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He received the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
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Early life
Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs was born to parents from Egba Alake. He spent his early childhood in Kano and attended Holy Trinity School where he was a member of the debating and drama societies. He was inspired to take a chance with acting when he attended one of Chief Hubert Ogunde's annual concert parties at Colonial Hotel in Kano. Afterwards, he secured a visa and travelled to England to study acting.
