Prior to his death, Jacobs had faced several false death reports, which his family publicly refuted on multiple occasions.
Jacobs was described as a cherished figure in his family, being a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, earning the affectionate title “The Lion of Lufodo.” Born in Kano on July 11, 1942, to parents from Egba Alake, Jacobs developed a passion for acting early in life and later refined his craft at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His illustrious career spanned not just British theatre and television but also included international productions and a significant impact on the Nigerian film industry.
As a co-founder of the Lufodo Group with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, Jacobs was instrumental in nurturing Nigeria’s theatre and film ecosystem. The Lufodo Group comprises Lufodo Productions, Lufodo Distribution, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, with Jacobs serving as the chairman. His artistic work extended to collaborations with major organizations such as the BBC, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, MGM, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Britain’s National Theatre, contributing to over 300 films in Nigeria.
Jacobs received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from AMAA in 2016. Furthermore, his contributions to the industry were officially recognized with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
In his personal life, Jacobs and Silva formed one of Nigeria’s most enduring entertainment partnerships, marrying in the 1980s and working together while raising their family. However, his later years were overshadowed by health issues; Silva disclosed in 2021 that he had been living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition, which led to his withdrawal from public life. Despite this, Jacobs remained a celebrated figure among colleagues and fans. Silva, in a social media tribute marking his 84th birthday in July 2026, reiterated his moniker, “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Jacobs’ passing not only marks the end of a remarkable career but also the conclusion of a significant chapter in Nigerian acting, encapsulating a generation of artists who seamlessly transitioned between stage, television, and film. For many, his legacy will endure far beyond accolades; his commanding presence and distinctive voice have made him a cornerstone of Nigerian drama, and he is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children, and grandchildren.
