The death of veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has generated an outpouring of tributes from politicians, government officials, actors, filmmakers and other public figures, with many describing him as an institution whose influence extended beyond the screen.
Jacobs died at the age of 84 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, announcing the death on Instagram. The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy as it mourns.
Among the early reactions was that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
Atiku said Jacobs was more than a celebrated actor, noting that his distinctive voice, dignity and talent had made him a familiar presence to generations of Nigerians. He also credited the late actor with helping lay foundations for the Nigerian film industry and inspiring younger actors.
For Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Jacobs represented the combination of acting excellence and professionalism.
Keyamo described him as a “consummate actor” and “quintessential professional”, while also referring to him as a legend of the stage, a role model and a gentleman.
The Federal Government also joined the growing list of mourners, with Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, describing Jacobs as a national institution and one of Africa’s important actors.
Musawa said Jacobs’ more than five decades in the creative industry contributed significantly to the development of Nigerian entertainment. She also highlighted his work with the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which he co-founded with his wife, actress Joke Silva, and its contribution to training a new generation of creative professionals.
But among the tributes from his colleagues, one recurring theme has been the influence Jacobs had on actors who followed him.
Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, remembered Jacobs as “Uncle Jay” and said the veteran actor’s return to Nigeria and commitment to his craft helped make the path easier for those who came after him.
RMD said Jacobs’ contribution went beyond his performances, recalling the standards of excellence, discipline and integrity he represented. He also reflected on the personal relationship between them, describing Jacobs as a husband, father, friend and elder in addition to being an acting giant.
That sense of mentorship also runs through Funke Akindele’s tribute.
The actress and filmmaker described Jacobs as “a true legend” and a “kind and gracious man” who was always willing to support, encourage and uplift younger talents.
Akindele said his contribution to the industry would not be forgotten and extended her condolences to Joke Silva, the Jacobs family and the wider Nigerian film industry.
Mercy Johnson-Okojie offered another personal account of Jacobs’ influence, recalling her experiences working with him on film sets.
She remembered their moments of laughter, joy and what she described as “plenty of corrections”, saying those experiences had become precious memories. Johnson said Jacobs was more than a veteran to her, describing him as a legend whose presence, guidance and impact became part of her own journey as an actress.
Yul Edochie also recalled Jacobs’ influence on his development as an actor. According to reports of his tribute, Edochie described him as a legend and great uncle and said he would have been willing to reduce his fee simply to work on a production with Jacobs because of how much he learned from observing the veteran’s approach to acting and his treatment of colleagues.
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Other Nollywood figures joined the mourning on social media.
Ini Edo described Jacobs as an uncle who would remain in the hearts of those who knew him, while Williams Uchemba called his life well spent and referred to him as a legend. Mr Macaroni described him as an “absolute inspiration”, while Broda Shaggi prayed for his eternal rest. Bukky Wright, Kehinde Bankole and Ken Erics also paid tribute to the late actor.
Veteran actress Ego Boyo remembered Jacobs simply as “a gentleman”, “an actor” and “an icon”, while actress Kate Henshaw shared a photograph of the late actor in her tribute.
Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, who trained alongside Jacobs at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, also mourned her former colleague. She recalled the special quality he brought to his baritone voice and his ability to give words their full meaning, highlighting the theatrical training and craft that became central to his career.
The National Film and Video Censors Board also recognised Jacobs’ contribution to Nigerian cinema and theatre. Its Executive Director, Shaibu Husseini, described him as a titan whose voice, diction and command of the stage and screen helped set standards for acting in Nigeria and across Africa.
Husseini said Jacobs’ contribution went beyond individual performances, arguing that his career helped elevate the cultural standing of Nigerian film and demonstrated the value of Nigerian stories on international stages.
The tributes also come against the backdrop of Jacobs’ long career across theatre, television and film. Trained at RADA in London, he worked in British television and international productions before becoming one of the defining figures of Nigerian theatre and Nollywood. He also co-founded the Lufodo Group with Silva and received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
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