Aniefiok Christopher
President Bola Tinubu, Wednesday, joined other Nigerians to mourn the passing of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.
Thespian Jacobs brought self-immersion, class and finesse to the Nigerian film industry, combing local and international experiences to shape a career that spanned decades.
After his training at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Jacobs built a career in British television before returning home to Nigeria, where he became a major force in the film industry.
He won major industry honours and awards for his pioneering roles and was also conferred with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Tinubu, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the late 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 Nigeria’s entertainment industry, stating that the late Jacobs inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his exceptional talent, discipline, and dedication to his craft.
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He commended the late actor’s remarkable ability to bring depth, dignity, and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.
Tinubu said, “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, while praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry, and the entire creative community over the loss of the celebrated thespian.
Loss of one the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit – Atiku
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar 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 was a familiar and commanding presence in the homes of generations of Nigerians, praising his distinctive voice, dignity and talent.
He noted that Jacobs had begun making his mark internationally long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, saying 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 expressed condolences to Silva, their children and the Jacobs family, as well as the Nollywood and African creative communities.
Great loss to Creative Industry- Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the passing of legendary Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs as a great loss to the creative industry and Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the legacy of Olu Jacobs would live on through his works and the memories he created.
The governor said Jacobs’ contributions to the creative industry would remain evergreen, adding that the late actor’s talent, grace, and creativity were unmatched.
He stated that the veteran actor used the theatrical medium to entertain, inspire, and positively influence society.
Sanwo-Olu extended his heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Joke Silva, widow of Olu Jacobs, the deceased’s family, friends, and the entire Nigerian entertainment industry on the passing of the thespian.
He stated, “Without any iota of doubt, Olu Jacobs is 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. His extraordinary life and the lasting impact he made with his artistry have solidified his legacy. 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 family, friends, fans, associates, and countless admirers of his talent and contributions to Nigerian entertainment.”
It’s a Monumental Loss- Musawa
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, mourned the passing of Olu Jacobs, describing it as a monumental loss to the nation and the entire creative industry.
Musawa stated, “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.”
The minister, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the entire creative community, also extended heartfelt condolences to Dame Joke Silva, his children, and other family members.
Jacobs is survived by his wife and children.
Born on July 11, 1942, the late Jacobs was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film and theatre industry.
He began his acting career in British television series and international films before returning to Nigeria. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, England, and also performed in Britain.
One of his notable roles after returning to Nigeria was in the television series, “The Third Eye,” where he played a detective. Other notable films included “Oloibiri,” “My Kingdom,” and “Covert Operation.”
Jacobs went on to star in numerous Nollywood films and received several accolades for his acting, including the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. He was also conferred with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
He was admired for his distinctive voice and commanding presence on stage, in films, and on television. His command of the English language was equally admired by younger generations, with many describing him as a godfather of Nollywood.
