Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri have joined other Nigerians in mourning veteran Nollywood actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Key Highlights
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential aide Reno Omokri have mourned veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, who reportedly died at 84.
- Atiku described Jacobs as a cultural icon and ambassador of Nigeria’s creative industry.
- He said Jacobs helped lay the foundations of Nigeria’s film industry before Nollywood gained global recognition.
- Omokri recalled Jacobs’ extensive career in theatre, British television, international films and Nollywood.
- Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before building a decades-long acting career.
Atiku, in a tribute shared on social media, described Jacobs as more than an actor, calling him “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
He said generations of Nigerians grew up watching the veteran actor, whose distinctive voice, dignity and talent made him a memorable figure in the country’s entertainment industry.
According to Atiku, Jacobs played a significant role in laying the foundations for Nigeria’s film industry long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon.
“Through decades of dedication to his craft, he helped lay the foundations upon which an entire industry would rise,” Atiku said.
He also expressed his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress, Joke Silva, their children and the entire Jacobs family.
“Olú Jacobs gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence. Nigeria will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude,” he added.
Omokri, in his tribute, described Jacobs as a national icon whose pioneering career inspired generations of Nigerian actors.
He recalled watching Jacobs as a child in British television productions and international films after the actor trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Omokri noted that Jacobs began his career in theatre before making the transition to television and film, appearing in productions including the British television series The Professionals, The Dogs of War and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.
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He also described Jacobs as one of the genuine pioneers of Nollywood, saying his contribution to the industry had sometimes been overshadowed by claims from “less deserving individuals.”
According to Omokri, Jacobs starred in hundreds of Nollywood productions and also became widely recognised through television commercials and advertising campaigns that remain memorable to many Nigerians.
He said the late actor’s contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry was significant and described his death as the loss of a “great African.”
Omokri prayed for comfort for the actor’s family, particularly his wife, Joke Silva, and their children.
Jacobs was also remembered by several Nigerians on social media, including comedian, Mr. Macaroni and commentator, Daniel Regha, who described the late actor as a legend and an inspiration.
Jacobs, who was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), leaves behind a decades-long career spanning theatre, television and film.
