President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film in Nigeria and abroad.
The President acknowledged Jacobs’ contribution to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, saying his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
Tinubu also praised the late actor’s ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.
“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 President said.
He added that Nigeria’s creative practitioners have made significant contributions to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development, noting that Jacobs played a major role in shaping that identity.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a career in British television and international film. He later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures in the country’s film industry.
The veteran actor received several industry honours and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the wider creative community.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the celebrated actor.
