Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday.

In the statement, the family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.

Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)

11/07/1942-16/09/2026

We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”

Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s veteran actors and was widely recognised for his contributions to theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England and began his acting career in Britain, where he worked with repertoire theatres and appeared in British television productions and international films.

After returning to Nigeria, he became a prominent figure in the country’s film industry and was regarded as one of the veteran figures of Nollywood.

Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the MAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

He was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.

Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.

Iweh Pascal Odinaka, the Nigerian dancer popularly known as Poco Lee, will appear before the Snaresbrook Crown Court in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2027, for a plea hearing.

The date was fixed after his scheduled appearance on Tuesday could not proceed because the charge sheet was unavailable.

Poco Lee had been due in court on September 15 for a plea and trial preparation hearing on the charges against him.

He, however, did not enter a plea because the charge sheet was not available.

Although the dancer was not present, the courtroom was reportedly filled with Nigerians who came to observe the proceedings, with some forced to wait outside.

The court has now set February 8, 2027, for the plea hearing, while the trial is scheduled to begin on March 8, 2027. It had earlier confirmed that the dancer was granted bail on September 11.

Poco Lee faces charges of attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration. He was previously remanded in custody following his arrest in the UK over the allegations.

In a recent Instagram live session with social media personality VeryDarkMan, Poco Lee maintained that he did not commit the alleged sexual offences.

He also said music star Burna Boy would not have supported him if he were guilty.

“If I did what someone said I did, I would say I am suffering my sins. As I did not do anything, my mind is as pure as anything. No one would want to attach themselves to something like that. And for Burna Boy and Jago to stand for me,” he said.

“I am a jolly good fellow. Even when I did not do anything.”

The death of any actor or filmmaker is sad, but in Nollywood, especially Yoruba Nollywood, it always follows a painful pattern.

In ‘Yoruwood’, when a big star falls ill, everyone moves fast. Industry leaders call meetings, millions of Naira are raised in hours, and social media is filled with prayers. But when a lesser-known actor or crew member gets sick, there is usually total silence.

This unfair treatment makes us ask a painful question: Why does the Nigerian movie industry care more about fame than human life?

This issue became urgent after the tragic death of Yoruba actress Temitope Osoba. She was not a stranger to the industry, having worked hard for nearly twenty years. Yet, her death was surrounded by controversy. Many people accused the industry of abandoning her on her sickbed and keeping quiet until she died. Tope was even luckier than most because a few loyal friends still tried to help her. Many others, including old veterans who started acting before Tope was even born, do not get any help at all.

This systematic failure becomes very clear when you compare how the industry treated Tope Osoba to how they treated the legendary veteran, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

When Ogogo was sick, the entire industry stood behind him. His colleagues used all their money, time, and connections to give him emotional support, prayer networks, and financial help. As Ogogo’s remains are ready for burial in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, today, that same deep commitment is still active, with top stars leading his burial arrangements. Of course, this is how a real community should take care of its people.

But when you look at Ogogo’s support alongside Osoba’s lonely battle and the arguments after her death, the difference is clearly heartbreaking. Why does one artiste get an army of help while another is left to suffer alone just because they are not in the same A-list star bracket?

Today, basic care in Nollywood has become a luxury only meant for the famous elite.

Right next to these big stars are the smaller actors, cameramen, and set designers. They spend decades working hard to build the industry. Sometimes, their hard work and contributions are even more than those of the famous faces we see on posters. Yet, when they get sick, they suffer in the dark. When they die, nobody cares. This looks like the “animal kingdom,” where only the strong are protected, and the weak are left to die.

This selective kindness, in my view, happens for two reasons: social media views and fake sympathy. Today, showing sadness for a dead superstar brings internet traffic and praise, while helping an unknown figure wins no social media clout.

This behaviour proves that Nollywood lacks real empathy. Despite making global waves, the industry still behaves like a chaotic market rather than a united family.

This must stop.

A person deserves dignity when sick and honour when dead because they are human, not because of their Instagram followers or box office success. If Nollywood keeps judging people’s worth by their fame, it will lose its soul.

As Taiwo Hassan Ogogo goes home today, I extend my deep condolences while appealing to Yoruba Nollywood to institutionalize how it treats its sick and dead kindly. The industry must stop relying on emergency online contributions. Instead, it must set up proper health insurance, welfare funds, and pensions that protect every single member.

Until Nollywood learns to care for a Tope Osoba with the same energy it uses for an Ogogo, its claim of being a united family will remain a hypocritical lie.

-Folorunsho Hamsat is a Lagos-based journalist. He can be reached via 08051000485