President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa and key players in the creative industry in mourning the legendary actor.
They described his death as a major loss to Nigeria.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Jacobs was a giant of Nigeria’s creative industry whose decades-long career helped shape the country’s cultural identity and project its image globally.
The President said the celebrated actor left behind a body of work that would continue to inspire generations.
‘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’, Tinubu said.
The President said Jacobs played a significant role in building the identity and international recognition Nigeria’s creative industry enjoys today.
‘The nation recognises 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’, he added.
To Tinubu, the deceased is one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career traversed theatre, television and film, both at home and internationally.
He acknowledged Jacobs’ contributions to the development and professionalisation of the Nigerian entertainment industry, noting that his talent, discipline and dedication to the profession inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
The President also praised the actor’s ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, qualities he said earned him admiration within Nigeria and beyond.
Jacobs was trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and established a career in British television, theatre and international film before returning to Nigeria, where he emerged as one of the most influential figures in the country’s film industry.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Jacobs’ widow and fellow veteran actress, Chief Joke Silva, their children and other members of the family.
He also commiserated with the late actor’s colleagues in Nollywood and the wider Nigerian creative community.
The President prayed for the repose of Jacobs’ soul and comfort for his family and all those mourning him.
Former Vice President Atiku said he was profoundly saddened by the passing of Jacobs, noting that Nigeria has lost far more than a great actor.
According to him, ‘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.’
He noted that long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, the late 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. His passing therefore feels deeply personal to a nation that watched him, admired him and grew up with him.
‘The curtain may have fallen on an extraordinary life, but the characters he gave us, the standards he set and the generations he inspired will continue to speak for him.
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. I also extend my condolences to the Nollywood family, the wider African creative community and millions of admirers around the world who mourn a truly remarkable man. Olu Jacobs gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence,’ he added.
Minister Musawa, in a statement by her SA Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, described Jacobs’ death as a monumental loss to the nation and the entire creative industry.
‘Olu Jacobs was not just an actor; he was a national institution. He was one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and one of Africa’s greatest actors. For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry’.
‘Through the Lufodo Academy, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are now leading Nollywood, and the countless lives he touched, his legacy will continue to live on stage, on screen and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians. Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade,’ Musawa stated.
In a tribute issued, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) said it joins millions of fans worldwide in mourning the late icon, popularly known as ‘Uncle Olu’ by younger colleagues.
‘For over five decades, Uncle Olu did not just act; he commanded both stage and screen. His rich, booming voice, impeccable diction and unmatched gravitas set the gold standard for acting across the continent,’ the statement said.
The NFVCB noted that from his classical training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London to his appearances on international stages and his foundational role in modern Nigerian theatre and Nollywood, Jacobs’ career was a masterclass in artistic excellence.
According to the Board, his contributions went beyond individual performances, as he elevated the cultural prestige of Nigerian film and proved that Nigerian stories deserve the grandest stages.
‘We say goodnight to an incomparable legend and a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,’ the NFVCB added.
Funke Akindele described the late Jacobs as a true legend, a kind and gracious man who was always willing to support, encourage and uplift young talents. ‘Your remarkable legacy and contribution to our industry will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to Aunty Joke Silva, the children, the entire Jacobs family and the Nigerian film industry. May God comfort and strengthen everyone during this difficult time,’ she said.