President pays tribute to veteran actor, who has died aged 84, as a towering figure across theatre, television and film

Jacobs died on Wednesday at the age of 84.

By: Tunji Okunlola

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, better known as Olu Jacobs, calling him “a giant” of Nigeria’s creative industry and saying his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

In a condolence message, the President described the late thespian as one of the country’s most distinguished performers, a towering presence whose career reached across theatre, television and film in Nigeria, Britain and further afield.

Tinubu pointed to the actor’s role in building and professionalising Nigeria’s entertainment sector, saying his talent, discipline and devotion to the craft had set an example for successive waves of actors and filmmakers.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Jacobs established himself in British television and international cinema before returning home, where he became one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s film industry. He collected numerous industry honours over his career and held the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

The President also praised the depth, dignity and authenticity Jacobs brought to his roles, qualities that won him admirers well beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“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.

He added that Nigeria recognises how much its creative practitioners have contributed to national identity, international image and economic growth, and said Jacobs had been central to shaping that identity.

The President offered his condolences to the Jacobs family, singling out the actor’s wife, the veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, along with their children, relatives, colleagues in the film industry and the broader creative community. He prayed for the repose of the actor’s soul and for comfort for those he leaves behind.

Jacobs died on Wednesday at the age of 84.

In a condolence message, the President described the late thespian as one of the country’s most distinguished performers, a towering presence whose career reached across theatre, television and film in Nigeria, Britain and further afield.

Tinubu pointed to the actor’s role in building and professionalising Nigeria’s entertainment sector, saying his talent, discipline and devotion to the craft had set an example for successive waves of actors and filmmakers.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Jacobs established himself in British television and international cinema before returning home, where he became one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s film industry. He collected numerous industry honours over his career and held the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

The President also praised the depth, dignity and authenticity Jacobs brought to his roles, qualities that won him admirers well beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“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.

He added that Nigeria recognises how much its creative practitioners have contributed to national identity, international image and economic growth, and said Jacobs had been central to shaping that identity.

The President offered his condolences to the Jacobs family, singling out the actor’s wife, the veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, along with their children, relatives, colleagues in the film industry and the broader creative community. He prayed for the repose of the actor’s soul and for comfort for those he leaves behind.