Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, and several Nigerian entertainers have paid tribute to veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, in an Instagram post in which he described his father as “The Lion of Lufodo.” The family also appealed for privacy as it mourns the veteran actor.
Atiku, in a statement shared on his X account, described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
The former vice president said Jacobs had become part of the collective memory of generations of Nigerians through his distinctive voice, acting ability and decades of work across theatre, television and film.
“Long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, Olu Jacobs was already carrying the Nigerian name with distinction,” Atiku said.
He noted that Jacobs contributed to the development of Nigeria’s film industry and inspired younger generations of actors through his long career.
Atiku also expressed condolences to Jacobs’ wife, actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider entertainment community.
He said the late actor gave Nigeria “his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence,” adding that his contributions would be remembered with pride and gratitude.
Keyamo also paid tribute to Jacobs, describing him as a consummate actor, professional and role model.
“Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace,” Keyamo wrote.
Several entertainers also took to social media to mourn the veteran actor.
Content creator Broda Shaggi prayed for Jacobs’ soul and said his memory would remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Actor and content creator William Uchemba described Jacobs as a legend, while Isbae U also paid tribute to the late actor.
Mr Macaroni described Jacobs as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all!”
Actress Ini Edo also mourned him, writing:
“Rest well Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts.”
Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, built a career spanning more than five decades and worked extensively in theatre, British television, international film and Nigeria’s emerging film industry.
Born on July 11, 1942, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in several British television productions and international films.
He later became one of the most recognised figures in Nigeria’s film industry and, alongside Joke Silva, was associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Jacobs received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
The confirmation of his death comes after previous false reports of his death circulated on social media, including in 2024, when his family publicly confirmed that he was still alive. The latest announcement has, however, been made by his immediate family and has been followed by tributes from public figures and colleagues.
Nigeria’s entertainment industry is now mourning one of its most recognisable veteran performers, whose career helped connect the country’s theatre tradition with the development and international growth of Nollywood.
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