RismadarVoice Reporters
September 16, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and several prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry have paid tribute to veteran actor Olu Jacobs following his death at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced on Wednesday by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, bringing to an end a career that spanned several decades across theatre, television and film in Nigeria and abroad.
Olusoji, while announcing his father’s passing, described the veteran actor as the “Lion of Lufodo,” a reference to the performing arts organisation associated with Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from political figures, actors, content creators and other Nigerians who reflected on Jacobs’ contribution to the country’s creative industry.
Atiku, reacting to the development, described Jacobs as an institution and cultural icon whose career contributed significantly to the development and international recognition of Nigerian entertainment.
“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,” Atiku said.
The former vice president noted that Jacobs became a familiar figure in Nigerian homes through his performances and distinctive voice, adding that his work formed part of the memories of generations of Nigerians who followed his career.
According to Atiku, Jacobs had established himself internationally before Nollywood developed into the globally recognised film industry it is today.
He said the veteran actor’s decades of dedication to acting helped create opportunities and inspiration for younger Nigerian performers who subsequently entered the industry.
Atiku also extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, Joke Silva, their children, relatives and members of the Nigerian entertainment community.
He prayed for strength for the family and described the actor’s career as one characterised by longstanding commitment to his profession.
KEYAMO PAYS TRIBUTE
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo also joined Nigerians mourning the veteran actor, describing him as a consummate professional and an influential figure in Nigerian theatre and film.
Keyamo paid tribute to Jacobs’ professionalism and his longstanding presence on stage and screen.
“Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace,” Keyamo said.
The minister’s tribute was among several messages that followed confirmation of the actor’s death on Wednesday.
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY MOURNS
Several Nigerian actors, comedians and content creators also paid tribute to Jacobs, with many describing his death as a major loss to the country’s entertainment industry.
Content creator Broda Shaggi prayed for the repose of the veteran actor’s soul and said his memory would remain with those who knew and admired him.
Actor and content creator William Uchemba described Jacobs’ life as one well spent and referred to him as a legend.
Comedian and content creator Mr Macaroni described the veteran actor as a legend, icon and inspiration, while actress Ini Edo said Jacobs would remain in the hearts of those who admired him.
Other entertainment personalities also shared condolence messages as tributes continued following the announcement of his death.
DECADES-LONG ACTING CAREER
Olu Jacobs was regarded as one of Nigeria’s prominent veteran actors, with a professional career spanning theatre, television and film.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs received professional acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
He subsequently appeared in British television productions and international films before becoming one of the leading figures associated with the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
Jacobs became widely recognised for portraying a range of characters during his career and worked alongside several generations of Nigerian actors.
Beyond acting, he was involved in the development of performing arts through initiatives associated with the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts alongside his wife, Joke Silva.
His contribution to Nigerian film and theatre earned him several recognitions during his lifetime.
Jacobs received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
Jacobs’ death has continued to generate tributes from across Nigeria’s political, entertainment and creative communities, with colleagues and admirers reflecting on his decades of work in theatre, television and film.
