BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, Atiku Mourns Cultural Icon

BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, Atiku Mourns Cultural Icon

 

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar describing the late Nollywood icon as “an institution” and “a cultural icon” whose contribution helped shape Nigeria’s creative industry.

Jacobs’ death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and called on bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s 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,” Olusoji said in the announcement.

Reacting to the death, Atiku said Nigeria had lost far more than a great actor, describing Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”

The former vice president said Jacobs had become part of the collective memory of generations of Nigerians through his distinctive voice, commanding performances and decades of dedication to his craft.

According to Atiku, Jacobs was already making his mark internationally before Nollywood emerged as a global phenomenon, and his career helped lay foundations for the Nigerian film industry while inspiring younger generations of actors.

“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 expressed condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider Jacobs family, as well as members of Nollywood and the African creative community.

Atiku said Jacobs “gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence,” adding that the country would remember him with pride, affection and gratitude.

Jacobs, whose career spanned theatre, British television, international film and Nollywood, was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He became one of Nigeria’s most recognisable screen and stage actors and was associated with the development of the Nigerian film industry.

His death marks the end of a career spanning more than five decades and has already triggered tributes from political figures, actors and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.