President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have mourned veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced on Wednesday by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram.
The family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect their privacy as they mourn.
“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,” the statement read.
Reacting to the death, President Tinubu described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film.
In a statement signed 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.
Tinubu said the late actor inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.
“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,” the President said.
He also commended Jacobs for bringing depth, dignity and authenticity to his roles, saying his body of work would continue to resonate with generations to come.
The President extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues and the wider creative community.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also described Jacobs’ death as the loss of “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
In a tribute posted on X, Atiku said Jacobs had been a familiar and commanding presence in the homes of generations of Nigerians, praising his distinctive voice, dignity and talent.
He noted that Jacobs had made his mark internationally long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, adding that the actor helped lay the foundations upon which the Nigerian film industry was built.
“The curtain may have fallen on an extraordinary life, but the characters he gave us, the standards he set and the generations he inspired will continue to speak for him,” Atiku said.
He also extended his condolences to Silva, their children and the Jacobs family, as well as the Nollywood and wider African creative communities.
Five decades on stage and screen
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before embarking on a career that spanned more than five decades.
He appeared in several British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the country’s film industry.
Jacobs was particularly known for portraying authoritative characters, including traditional rulers, chiefs and father figures, and became one of the most recognisable faces of Nollywood.
Alongside Silva, whom he married in 1989, he co-founded the Lufodo Group, a media and performing arts company.
His contributions to the arts earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and Nigeria’s national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Jacobs largely withdrew from public life in his later years after Silva disclosed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
The family has yet to announce funeral arrangements.
