Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.
The actor’s family announced his passing on Wednesday, September 16, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn.
News of Jacobs’ death has since triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, younger actors and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, many of whom reflected on his influence and contribution to Nollywood.
Richard Mofe Damijo, popularly known as RMD, described Jacobs’ death as a loss that was difficult to put into words, recalling the veteran actor as an icon, pioneer and giant of Nigerian theatre and film.
RMD, who affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Jay”, said Jacobs helped make the path easier for actors who came after him.
“If Uncle J had not returned home, many of us may not have become who we are today. That is the impact of his life. That is the magnitude of his contribution,” RMD said in a tribute shared on Instagram.
Actress Kate Henshaw also mourned the veteran actor, describing him as “a great one” and praying for comfort for his wife, Joke Silva, and the rest of the Jacobs family.
“Adieu to a great one. Rest well, Uncle Olu Jacobs,” she wrote.
Funke Akindele remembered Jacobs as a remarkable actor and a warm hearted man who supported and encouraged younger talents in the industry.
“Your remarkable legacy and contribution to our industry will never be forgotten,” she wrote while extending her condolences to Joke Silva, the Jacobs family and the Nigerian film industry.
Ini Edo also paid tribute to the late actor, writing, “Rest well Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts.”
Williams Uchemba described Jacobs as a legend, saying, “A life well spent, Rest Well Legend.”
Mr Macaroni mourned him as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all,” while Broda Shaggi prayed for his soul and said his memory would live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Other Nollywood personalities who expressed grief included Bukky Wright, Kehinde Bankole and Ken Erics.
Wright said Jacobs had left an unforgettable legacy in the hearts of movie lovers, while Bankole described his life as beautiful and his legacy as legendary.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, also described Jacobs as a “colossus of African film” and an institution whose contribution to Nigerian cinema and theatre was immeasurable.
He said Jacobs served as a teacher, mentor and father figure to generations of young talents who followed his path.
Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions and international films.
He later became one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s film industry, known for his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and memorable performances.
Alongside his wife, Joke Silva, Jacobs was also involved in the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, extending their contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry beyond acting.
His career earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues and admirers across generations have continued to reflect on the influence of a man whose voice, presence and performances became deeply woven into the history of Nigerian entertainment.
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