PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others, on Wednesday, paid tributes to the late veteran actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji, in a post released on his Instagram page.
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” he wrote.
Jacobs, born on July 11, 1942, had a career spanning theatre, television and film and was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and featured in several British television productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in Nollywood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Jacobs starred in more than 100 films and received several honours during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
He was married to fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva, with whom he founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The veteran actor’s death marks the end of a career that spanned several decades, with notable contributions to theatre, television, and film in Nigeria.
Jacobs contributed to development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry —Tinubu
In his tribute, President Tinubu expressed sadness over the passing of Jacobs. The president, in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, described Olu Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure, whose remarkable career spanned theatre, television and film globally.
The president acknowledged his contributions to the development and professionalisation of the country’s entertainment industry, stating that Jacobs inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his exceptional talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.
President Tinubu also praised the late actor’s remarkable ability to bring depth, dignity, and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning 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 nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity,” the president said.
His death is a great loss to creative industry —Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State governor, Sanwo-Olu, described Jacobs’ death as a great loss to the creative industry.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, said Jacobs’ contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry would remain evergreen.
The governor said the thespian’s talent and creativity had left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s theatre, television and film industry.
”Without any iota of doubt, Olu Jacobs was one of the respected fathers of Nollywood.
”He was a legendary actor and filmmaker who featured in several British and Nigerian television series and movies.
”He shaped the Nigerian theatre, television and film industry for over five decades through his extraordinary talent and artistry,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also said Jacobs used his craft not only to entertain but also to inspire and positively influence society.
He said the actor’s remarkable career and lasting impact had solidified his place in the history of Nigeria’s creative industry.
”The vibrant spirit he embodied and the joy he shared through his craft will always remain in our hearts.
”Olu Jacobs will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fans, associates and countless admirers of his talent and contributions to Nigerian entertainment,” he said.
Olu Jacobs’ death, a monumental loss to Nigeria, entire creative industry —Musawa
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, expressed grief over the passing of Jacobs.
The minister, in a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze, described Jacobs’ death as a monumental loss to the nation and the entire creative 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.
“For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry.
“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.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the entire creative community, the ministry also extends heartfelt condolences to Dame Joke Silva, his children, and other family members,” the minister said.
Nollywood stars mourn
Tributes have also continued to pour in on social media from Nollywood stars, entertainers, and fans following the death of Jacobs.
Taking to X, actress, Kate Henshaw, wrote: “Adieu to a great one!! You lived and shared your gift with the world. Rest well, Uncle Olu Jacobs. May God comfort my darling Aunty J, Soji, Gbenga and the rest of the family in Jesus name.”
Actress, Funke Akindele, described Jacobs on X as a true legend and a kind, gracious man who was always willing to support, encourage, and uplift young talents.
“Your remarkable legacy and contribution to our industry will never be forgotten,” Akindele wrote on X, while extending condolences to Joke Silva, the children, the Jacobs family, and the Nigerian film industry.
Veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), also mourned Jacobs, whom he fondly called “Uncle Jay,” describing him as an icon, pioneer, and giant of Nigerian theatre and film.
Mofe-Damijo said Jacobs’ talent, discipline and command of his craft helped shape the industry and made the path easier for younger practitioners.
Actor Saidi Balogun described Jacobs as a “Great Legend”, writing: “Rest well Great Legend Sir Olu Jacobs. My condolences to the entire family. His name and legacy lives on.”
Actor, Yemi Solade, in his tribute, described Jacobs as a creative force whose artistic contribution would continue to be remembered.
Actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, recalled her experiences working with Jacobs, saying his presence, guidance and corrections had made a lasting impact on her career.
Eniola Afolabi said the deceased was an icon who inspired generations and helped lay the foundation for many practitioners in the entertainment industry.
Actress, Kemi Ajumobi, described Jacobs as a “warrior” and “great man,” praising his expertise, delivery and commanding presence on screen.
She also commended Joke Silva for standing by Jacobs through sickness and good health, while praying for strength and comfort for the family.
Content creator, Mr Macaroni, paid tribute on X, writing: “Legend, Icon and an Absolute Inspiration.
“Every time I watched you, I fell in love with the art of acting over and over again. Your Legacy lives on in all our hearts.”
Also on X, Ice Prince Zamani, described Jacobs simply as “Iconic,” while Emeneks offered prayers for comfort for his family and loved ones.
Musician, Paul Play Dairo, described Jacobs as “the greatest of all time”, recalling that watching his performance in The Dogs of War inspired him to believe that anyone could achieve their dreams.
Dairo also praised the late actor for breaking boundaries and representing Nigeria on the international stage.
Fans also expressed grief under the family’s Instagram post, with Instagram user @inidimaokojie describing Jacobs as “An Icon.. A Legend… an Inspiration.”
Another user, @oluwatoyinoshinloye, wrote: “Rest in peace and power, Pa Olu Jacobs – The Lion of Lufodo, fly high in your baritone with the Angels.”
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, were also among public figures who paid tribute to Jacobs, describing him in their respective messages as a cultural icon, consummate actor and legend of the stage.
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