Tinubu mourns Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, widely known as Olu Jacobs, who died at 84 on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Jacobs as “one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose remarkable career spanned theatre, television and film globally.”

The President highlighted how Jacobs, after training at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, built an international career in British television and film before returning to Nigeria to help shape the country’s booming movie industry.

Tinubu noted that Jacobs’ work went beyond entertainment, contributing to the professionalisation and global image of Nigeria’s creative sector.

“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,” the President said.

He added that Jacobs’ “remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn,” and credited him with helping craft Nigeria’s cultural identity through film.

The late actor, a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), was celebrated for bringing “depth, dignity, and authenticity” to his roles, earning admiration at home and abroad.

Tinubu extended condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues, and the wider creative community, and prayed for the repose of his soul.