Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, paid tribute to veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewunmi Jacobs, MFR, who died on Wednesday at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced on Instagram by his son, Olusoji, who described him as ‘The Lion of Lufodo’.
In a statement posted on X, Atiku described the late actor 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, and their children.
‘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.’
Minister Festus Keyamo, in his own tribute on X, hailed Jacobs as a consummate professional.
‘Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman. Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace,’ Keyamo wrote.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in British television and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the country’s film industry.
Alongside his wife, Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
He was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011, an AMVCA Industry Merit Award in 2013, and an AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.