Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to mourn veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Wednesday at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ son, Olusoji, announced his father’s death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Reacting to the death in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
Atiku said, “I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Olu Jacobs at the age of 84. Nigeria has lost far more than a great actor; we have lost an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.
“For generations of Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was a familiar and commanding presence in our homes. That unmistakable voice, the dignity he brought to every role and the sheer force of his talent made him one of those rare artists who did not merely act before an audience, but became part of our collective memory.
“Long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, Olu Jacobs was already carrying the Nigerian name with distinction. Through decades of dedication to his craft, he helped lay the foundations upon which an entire industry would rise. He gave life to our stories, dignity to our culture and inspiration to countless younger actors who followed the path he helped to clear.”
On her part, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the death of the celebrated actor as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the country’s creative industry, saying Jacobs’ contribution to the arts spanned more than five decades.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, the minister described Jacobs as “a national institution” and one of the pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
She said, “Olu Jacobs was not just an actor; he was a national institution. He was one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and one of Africa’s greatest actors.
“For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry.”
Musawa also noted Jacobs’ contribution to developing talents in the creative sector through the Lufodo Academy, which he established with his wife and fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva.
According to her, the academy had trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who have gone on to play leading roles in Nollywood.
“Through the Lufodo Academy, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are now leading Nollywood, and the countless lives he touched, his legacy will continue to live on stage, on screen and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians.
“Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade,” she stated.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a post on X, described Jacobs as a consummate actor and professional.
He wrote, “Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, several actors and entertainers also paid tribute to the late actor on social media.
Content creator Broda Shaggi wrote, “May his soul find eternal rest at the right hand of God, and may his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
Actor and content creator William Uchemba said, “A life well spent, Rest Well Legend.”
Isbae U wrote, “Rest well Legend ❤️ 🕊️,” while Mr Macaroni described Jacobs as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all!”
Actress Ini Edo also paid tribute, writing, “Rest well Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts❤️❤️❤️ 😇”
Jacobs was one of the most prominent figures of Nigeria’s theatre, television and film industries, with a career that spanned several decades and included performances on stage and screen in Nigeria and abroad.
He was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself as a respected actor in British television and theatre productions and later becoming one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry.
His career in Nollywood included appearances in numerous acclaimed films and television productions, while his work in theatre and acting education helped shape subsequent generations of Nigerian performers.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group, with interests including film production and performing arts education, as part of their efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s creative industry.
Jacobs’ contribution to the arts was also recognised by the Federal Government, which conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
