Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and several Nigerian entertainers have paid tribute to veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ son, Olusoji, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Reacting to the development in a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
Atiku said Nigeria had lost more than a great actor, noting that Jacobs had become part of the collective memory of generations of Nigerians through his decades-long career in theatre, television and film.
“I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Olu Jacobs at the age of 84. Nigeria has lost far more than a great actor; we have lost an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit,” he said.
He added that Jacobs had contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry before Nollywood became a global phenomenon.
According to Atiku, the late actor “gave life to our stories, dignity to our culture and inspiration to countless younger actors who followed the path he helped to clear.”
He also condoled with Jacobs’ wife, actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider Jacobs family.
“My heart goes especially to his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Joke Silva, their children and the entire Jacobs family. I pray that the memories of the beautiful life they shared with him will bring them strength through this painful season,” Atiku said.
Keyamo, in his tribute on X, described Jacobs as a consummate actor and professional.
“Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace,” the minister wrote.
Several actors and entertainers also took to social media to mourn the veteran.
Content creator, Broda Shaggi, prayed for the repose of Jacobs’ soul, while actor and content creator, William Uchemba, described his death as the end of a life well spent.
Isbae U wrote, “Rest well Legend,” while Mr Macaroni described Jacobs as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all!”
Actress Ini Edo also paid tribute, writing, “Rest well Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts.”
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film. He was also a film executive and, alongside Silva, was associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and featured in several British television productions and international films before becoming a major figure in Nigeria’s film industry.
He received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and the Africa Movie Academy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
