President Bola Tinubu has led tributes to veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ son, Olusoji, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Tinubu praised the late actor’s ability to bring “depth, dignity, and authenticity” to the characters he portrayed, saying it earned him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.
“He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn,” the President said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, 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.”
Atiku also condoled with Jacobs’ wife, actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider entertainment community.
“My heart goes especially to his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Joke Silva, their children and the entire Jacobs family. I pray that the memories of the beautiful life they shared with him will bring them strength through this painful season,” he said.
He added, “Olu Jacobs gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence. Nigeria will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude. May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family in this hour of grief.”
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa described Jacobs’ death as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the country’s creative industry, noting that his contribution to the arts spanned more than five decades.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister described Jacobs as “a national institution” and one of the pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
“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,” she said.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, in a post on X, described Jacobs as a consummate actor and professional.
“Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace,” he wrote.
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.”