President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84 on Wednesday.
Tinubu described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film in Nigeria and abroad.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and made available to The News Chronicle, the President said Jacobs played a significant role in the growth and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building an extensive career in British television and international film. He later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the most respected figures in the country’s film industry.
The late actor received several major industry honours for his contributions to the arts and was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.
Tinubu said Jacobs’ exceptional talent, discipline and dedication to his craft inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
He also praised the actor’s ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning him widespread admiration in Nigeria and beyond.
READ MORE: 10 Things You May Not Know About Late Actor Olu Jacobs
“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 President said.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s creative practitioners had made significant contributions to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development, adding that Jacobs played a major role in shaping that identity.
The President extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Chief Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues and the wider creative community.
He prayed for the repose of the late actor’s soul.
