President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, who passed away at the age of 84.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the actor’s passing on Instagram on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu called the late actor one of Nigeria’s most outstanding thespians and a towering figure whose career stretched across theater, television, and film around the world.
The President noted that Jacobs helped develop and professionalize Nigeria’s entertainment industry and that his talent, discipline, and commitment to his craft inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
Tinubu further commended Jacobs’ gift for infusing “depth, dignity, and authenticity” into the characters he played, noting that this won him admiration both within Nigeria and abroad.
“He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry, and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.
“The nation recognizes the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image, and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity,” the president said.
Jacobs, as stated, grew into a prominent figure in Nigeria’s film industry after returning, having studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and established a career in British television and international film.
He earned a number of industry accolades and awards and was granted the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Tinubu offered his sympathies to the Jacobs family, especially his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, as well as their children, relatives, and colleagues within the Nigerian film industry and the broader creative community.
He offered prayers for Jacobs’ soul to rest in peace.
