PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, Lagos State governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and others commemorated the late veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, who passed away at age 84, on Wednesday.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji, in a post 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.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs had a career spanning theatre, TV, and film, making him one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and appeared in several British TV productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in Nollywood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Jacobs starred in over 100 films and received numerous awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and the national honor 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 lasted several decades, with significant contributions to theatre, TV, and film in Nigeria.
Jacobs contributed to the growth and professionalization of Nigeria’s entertainment industry — Tinubu
In his tribute, President Tinubu expressed sadness over Jacobs' passing. Through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, the president described Olu Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose remarkable career spanned theatre, TV, and film worldwide.
The president acknowledged his role in developing and professionalizing the country’s entertainment sector, noting that Jacobs inspired generations of actors and filmmakers with his talent, discipline, and dedication.
President Tinubu also lauded the late actor’s ability to bring depth, dignity, and authenticity to his roles, earning admiration both in Nigeria and internationally.
“He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry, and the global arts community. His body of work will continue to inspire future generations.
“The nation recognizes the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to its cultural identity, global image, and economic growth. Olu Jacobs played a vital role in shaping this identity,” the president stated.
His death is a significant loss to the creative industry — Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State governor, Sanwo-Olu, called Jacobs’ death a major loss to Nigeria’s creative industry.
Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, expressed that Jacobs’s contributions to Nigerian entertainment would remain timeless.
He said that the actor’s talent and creativity left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s theatre, TV, and film sectors.
”Without any doubt, Olu Jacobs was one of Nollywood’s most respected pioneers.
”He was a legendary actor and filmmaker who appeared in several British and Nigerian movies and TV series.
”He shaped Nigeria's theatre, TV, and film industry for over fifty years through his extraordinary talent and artistry,” he added.
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Sanwo-Olu further noted that Jacobs used his craft not only to entertain but also to inspire and positively influence society.
He emphasized that Jacobs’s impressive career and enduring impact had cemented his place in Nigeria’s creative history.
”The vibrant spirit he embodied and the joy he shared through his craft will always remain in our hearts.
”Olu Jacobs will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fans, colleagues, and all admirers of his talent and contributions to Nigerian entertainment,” he concluded.
Olu Jacobs’s death is a huge loss to Nigeria and the entire creative industry — Musawa
Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, expressed her sorrow over the passing of Jacobs.
In a statement through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze, she called Jacobs’s death a monumental loss to Nigeria and the worldwide creative sector.
“Olu Jacobs was more than an actor; he was a national treasure. He was a key pillar of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and one of Africa’s greatest actors.
“For over fifty years, his voice, presence, and craft brought life to our stories and dignity to our industry.
“Through the Lufodo Academy, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors, and filmmakers now leading Nollywood, and the many lives he touched, his legacy will 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 Nigerian government and the entire creative community, the ministry extends heartfelt condolences to Dame Joke Silva, his children, and family," she said.
Nollywood stars mourn
Tributes continue to pour in on social media from Nollywood celebrities, entertainers, and fans following Jacobs's passing.
On 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 called Jacobs a true legend and a kind, gracious man who supported and uplifted young talents.
“Your remarkable legacy and contribution to our industry will never be forgotten,” Akindele said on X, offering condolences to Joke Silva, their children, Jacobs’s family, and the Nigerian film industry.
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), also paid tribute, affectionately calling Jacobs “Uncle Jay,” and describing him as an icon, pioneer, and giant of Nigerian theatre and film.
Mofe-Damijo said Jacobs's talent, discipline, and mastery helped shape the industry and paved the way for younger practitioners.
Actor Saidi Balogun called Jacobs a “Great Legend,” saying: “Rest well Great Legend Sir Olu Jacobs. My condolences to the entire family. His name and legacy live on.”
Yemi Solade, in his tribute, described Jacobs as a creative force whose artistic contributions would be remembered.
Actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie recalled working with Jacobs and said his presence, guidance, and corrections had a lasting impact on her career.
Eniola Afolabi called Jacobs an icon who inspired generations and helped lay the foundation for many in the entertainment sector.
Kemi Ajumobi described Jacobs as a “warrior” and “great man,” praising his skill, delivery, and commanding screen presence.
She also commended Joke Silva for supporting Jacobs during his illness and recovery, praying for strength and comfort for his family.
Content creator Mr. Macaroni paid tribute on X: “Legend, Icon, and an Absolute Inspiration.
“Every time I watched you, I fell in love with acting all over again. Your legacy lives on in our hearts.
On X, musician Ice Prince Zamani simply called Jacobs “Iconic,” while Emeneks offered prayers for his family’s comfort.
Musician Paul Play Dairo called Jacobs “the greatest of all time,” sharing that watching him in The Dogs of War motivated him to believe he could achieve his dreams.
He also lauded the late actor for breaking boundaries and representing Nigeria internationally.
Fans expressed their grief under the family’s Instagram post, with @inidimaokojie calling Jacobs “An Icon... A Legend… an Inspiration.”
Another user, @oluwatoyinoshinloye, wrote: “Rest in peace and power, Pa Olu Jacobs – The Lion of Lufodo. Fly high with the Angels.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, among other public figures, also paid tribute, describing Jacobs as a cultural icon, a consummate actor, and a legend of the stage.
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