President, Atiku, Sen Sani, Actors Mourn Olu Jacobs

Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84 on Wednesday.

His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on social media. The family described him as “the Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy as it mourns.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was among those who mourned the veteran actor, describing his death as a loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global performing arts community.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film.

The President acknowledged Jacobs’ contributions to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, saying the late actor inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.

Tinubu also praised Jacobs’ ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.

Tinubu extended his condolences to Jacobs’ family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the wider creative community. He also prayed for the repose of the actor’s soul.

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Shehu Sani are among other prominent voices who described Jacobs’ death as a huge loss to the country’s creative industry.

NFC Mourns Jacobs

The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) also mourned Jacobs, describing his death as a major loss to the country’s film industry.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFC, Dr Ali Nuhu, expressed his condolences in a statement issued by the corporation’s Director of Public Affairs, Brian Etuk, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Nuhu described Jacobs’ death as painful and an “indelible” loss to Nigeria’s film industry, saying his contributions to its growth and development spanned several decades of work in Nigeria and abroad.

He recalled Jacobs’ influence on colleagues, friends and the wider television and film community in Nigeria and the diaspora.

According to him, Jacobs was a filmmaker, storyteller, mentor and patriot whose career was marked by courage, integrity and dedication.

Nuhu said the late actor devoted his life to promoting positive narratives and conversations around the development of Nigeria’s cinema.

Jacobs featured in numerous television productions, feature films and documentaries, driven, according to Nuhu, by the belief that film could serve purposes beyond entertainment.

“We will miss his iconic and distinctive voice and screen appearances, but his memories will continually be ingrained in our hearts,” he said.

Nuhu added that the industry had lost a visionary leader whose experience and influence had benefited generations of filmmakers and actors.

He described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s early iconic film stakeholders and noted that he received several recognitions, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

On behalf of the management and staff of the NFC, Nuhu expressed appreciation to Jacobs for his contribution to building an inclusive, professional and proudly Nigerian film industry.

He prayed that God would strengthen Jacob’s family and grant the late actor eternal rest.

Celebrities Pay Tribute

Meanwhile, several celebrities have taken to social media to mourn Jacobs and commiserate with his family.

Funke Akindele, Ini Edo, Williams Uchemba, Mr Macaroni, Broda Shaggi, Bukky Wright and Kehinde Bankole were among those who paid tribute to the late actor.

Akindele described Jacobs as a legend, while Edo wrote, “Rest well, Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts.”

Uchemba described him as a legend whose life was well spent, while Mr Macaroni referred to him as a legend, icon and inspiration.

Broda Shaggi prayed for the repose of Jacobs’ soul and said his memory would live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Wright said Jacobs had left an unforgettable legacy in the hearts of movie lovers, while Bankole described his life as beautiful and his legacy as legendary.

A Career Spanning Five Decades

Born on 11 July 1942, Jacobs built an acting career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before beginning his professional career in British theatre and television. He later appeared in international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the country’s film industry.

Jacobs featured in more than 100 Nollywood films and became particularly known for his commanding voice and for his performances as traditional rulers, chiefs, father figures, and other authoritative characters.

His career earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution to Nigeria’s film industry.

Jacobs was married to veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he co-founded the Lufodo Group, which has been involved in film production, distribution and performing arts. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.