Atiku, Keyamo, celebrities mourn Olu Jacobs

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and several Nigerian entertainers have mourned veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who died at age 84.

Jacobs’ son, Olusoji, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”

Reacting to the death in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Atiku described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”

Atiku said, “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.

“For generations of Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was a familiar and commanding presence in our homes. That unmistakable voice, the dignity he brought to every role and the sheer force of his talent made him one of those rare artists who did not merely act before an audience, but became part of our collective memory.

“Long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, Olu Jacobs was already carrying the Nigerian name with distinction. Through decades of dedication to his craft, he helped lay the foundations upon which an entire industry would rise. He gave life to our stories, dignity to our culture and inspiration to countless younger actors who followed the path he helped to clear.”

Atiku also condoled with Jacobs’ wife, actress Joke Silva, their children and the wider entertainment community.

“My heart goes especially to his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Joke Silva, their children and the entire Jacobs family. I pray that the memories of the beautiful life they shared with him will bring them strength through this painful season,” he said.

He added, “Olu Jacobs gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence. Nigeria will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude. May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family in this hour of grief.”

Keyamo, in a post on X, described Jacobs as a consummate actor and professional.

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He wrote, “Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, several actors and entertainers also paid tribute to the late actor on social media.

Content creator Broda Shaggi wrote, “May his soul find eternal rest at the right hand of God, and may his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”

Actor and content creator William Uchemba said, “A life well spent, Rest Well Legend.”

Isbae U wrote, “Rest well Legend ❤️ 🕊️,” while Mr Macaroni described Jacobs as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all!”

Actress Ini Edo also paid tribute, writing, “Rest well Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts❤️❤️❤️ 😇”

Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.

He was also a film executive and, alongside his wife, Joke Silva, was associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in several British television productions and international films before becoming a major figure in Nigeria’s film industry.

He received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and the Africa Movie Academy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.