President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday mourned veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84, with both leaders describing him as a major figure in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement shared on Instagram, with the family describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealing to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy.
“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 family said.
The announcement brought to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable actors, whose career spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Reacting to the death, Tinubu described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career contributed significantly to the development of the entertainment industry.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Jacobs 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,” Tinubu said.
The President also commended Jacobs for bringing depth, dignity and authenticity to his roles, saying his body of work would continue to speak to 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’ death as the loss of “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
He said Jacobs had been a familiar and commanding presence in the homes of generations of Nigerians, praising his distinctive voice, dignity and talent.
Atiku also noted that Jacobs had made his mark internationally long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon.
According to him, the late 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 condoled with Silva, their children and the Jacobs family, as well as the Nollywood and wider African creative communities.
Five decades on stage, 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 featured in 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 became particularly known for portraying authoritative characters, including traditional rulers, chiefs and father figures.
Together with 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.
He also received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
Jacobs largely withdrew from public life in his later years.
His wife had disclosed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies.
The veteran actor is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
As of Wednesday, the family had yet to announce funeral arrangements.
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