Nigeria, Sept. 17 -- Veteran Nigerian actor and theatre practitioner Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, whose commanding voice and imposing screen presence made him one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian theatre and film, has died at 84.

Jacobs died on Wednesday, closing a remarkable acting journey that took him from a childhood in Kano to professional theatre and television in Britain and, eventually, to the Nigerian film industry, where he became one of Nollywood's most revered veterans.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death in a family statement describing the actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and as "The Lion of Lufodo."

"It is with gratitude to God for a life well live...