President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC , Atiku Abubakar have mourned veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Son, Olusoji Jacobs announced the death of his father on Wednesday , in a statement shared on Instagram.
The family described the veteran actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and called for privacy as they mourn his death.
“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 read.
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the mourning period.
Reacting to the death, President Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film.
The President said Jacobs contributed significantly to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Tinubu said the late 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.
Tinubu also commended Jacobs for bringing depth, dignity and authenticity to his roles, saying his body of work would continue to speak to generations.
The President extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues and the wider creative community.
On the other hand, the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku also described Jacobs’ death as the loss of “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
In a tribute posted on X, Atiku said Jacobs was a familiar and commanding presence in the homes of generations of Nigerians, praising his distinctive voice, dignity and talent.
He noted that Jacobs had begun making his mark internationally long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, saying the 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 also expressed condolences to Silva, their children and the Jacobs family, as well as the Nollywood and African creative communities.
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