Tinubu, Atiku, Nollywood, mourn, pay tributes as Olu Jacobs dies at 84

• Nigeria has lost a creative industry giant, says president

President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and leading figures in Nollywood have joined a flood of tributes for veteran actor Olu Jacobs, whose death at 84 has thrown Nigeria’s entertainment industry into mourning.

Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film at home and abroad.

His death was announced by his family through his son, Olusoji, triggering an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, actors, entertainers and fans.

Tinubu described Jacobs as a “giant of the Nigerian creative industry,” saying his death was a major loss to Nigeria, African cinema and the global performing arts community.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Jacobs made significant contributions to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

“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.”

Tinubu praised Jacobs for bringing depth, dignity and authenticity to his roles, saying those qualities earned him admiration within and outside Nigeria.

He condoled with Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children, relatives and colleagues, as well as the Nigerian creative community.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, also mourned the veteran actor, paying tribute to his contribution to Nigerian arts and culture.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, joined the tributes as messages of grief poured in from the entertainment industry.

Actors Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Kate Henshaw, Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Saidi Balogun and Yemi Solade were among Nollywood stars who celebrated Jacobs’ professionalism, mentorship and contribution to the growth of the industry.

Comedian and actor Mr Macaroni declared: “Your legacy lives on in our hearts.”

Other entertainers, including Kemi Ajumbobi and musician Paul Play Dairo, also paid tribute to the screen legend.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a career in British theatre, television and international film.

He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the defining figures of Nollywood, appearing in scores of productions and earning acclaim for his commanding performances.

Jacobs became particularly renowned for portraying traditional rulers, patriarchs and other authority figures, with his distinctive voice and screen presence making him one of the industry’s most recognisable actors.

Beyond the screen, Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the training and development of younger practitioners.

His career earned him numerous industry honours as well as the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Jacobs is survived by his wife, children and other family members.