By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Ahmed 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 said.
Reacting to the death, Tinubu described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s distinguished actors 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 contributed to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Tinubu said the 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.
The President also commended Jacobs for bringing depth and authenticity to his roles, saying his body of work would continue to inspire future generations.
He extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues and the wider creative community.
Atiku, in a tribute posted on X, described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
The former vice president said Jacobs had been a familiar presence in the homes of generations of Nigerians, praising his distinctive voice, dignity and acting talent.
Atiku noted that Jacobs had established an international reputation before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, adding that the actor contributed to the foundations of Nigeria’s film industry.
“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 members of 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 beginning 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 a prominent figure in the country’s film industry.
Jacobs was known for portraying authoritative characters, including traditional rulers, chiefs and father figures, and became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors.
He and Silva, whom he married in 1989, 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 the 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.
