Nigeria’s creative industry is mourning the passing of veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, MFR, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
The announcement of his death on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, has prompted tributes from across Nigeria’s political and creative communities, with President Bola Tinubu, the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) and the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) honouring the celebrated thespian’s immense contributions to theatre, television, film and the wider Nigerian creative industry.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Olu Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose remarkable career spanned theatre, television and film both in Nigeria and internationally.
According to the President, Jacobs’ contribution went beyond entertainment, as his work helped shape the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s creative industry while inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers.
Tinubu noted that Jacobs’ exceptional talent, discipline and dedication to his craft enabled him to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning him admiration in Nigeria and around the world.
“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 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.”
The President also acknowledged Jacobs’ journey from formal training at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to a successful career in British television and his subsequent return to Nigeria, where he became a major force in the country’s film and theatre industries.
A recipient of numerous industry honours, Jacobs was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children and relatives, as well as Jacobs’ colleagues and the wider creative community. He also prayed for the repose of the actor’s soul.
CORA: A LEGACY THAT WILL RESONATE BEYOND HIS GENERATION
The Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) also expressed grief over the passing of the iconic actor, describing Jacobs as a towering figure whose influence extended across Nigeria’s creative ecosystem and beyond.
In its tribute, CORA described Jacobs, fondly known as “The Lion of Lufodo,” as a colossus whose career was distinguished by extraordinary accomplishments and a lasting legacy.
The organisation also highlighted the actor’s humility and the quality of his relationships with colleagues, associates and younger practitioners within the creative sector.
CORA said his death had created a significant vacuum within the Nigerian creative community, while expressing confidence that the legacy he built during his lifetime would continue to reverberate across generations.
The organisation commiserated with the Jacobs family and prayed for the repose of his soul.
SONTA MOURNS A GREAT THEATRE ARTIST
The Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) described the death of Olu Jacobs as a deeply painful loss to Nigeria’s theatre and performing arts community.
In a statement signed by its President, Prof. Tunji Azeez, FSONTA, FTA, MNAL, SONTA described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s greatest theatre artists.
Reflecting on his career, the organisation invoked Shakespeare’s enduring metaphor that the world is a stage, noting that Jacobs had performed on that stage with passion, conviction, dexterity and charm.
According to SONTA, his brilliance and contribution to the performing arts have created a legacy that will remain with the industry for generations.
The organisation expressed solidarity with Jacobs’ family during the period of grief and reflection and extended its condolences to colleagues and members of the creative community.
A CAREER THAT TRANSCENDED THE SCREEN
Olu Jacobs’ career represented a significant chapter in the evolution of Nigeria’s performing arts and film industry.
From his professional training and early work in the United Kingdom to his return to Nigeria and emergence as one of the country’s most recognisable actors, he established a reputation for versatility, professionalism and commanding screen and stage presence.
His body of work across theatre, television and film helped connect generations of Nigerian audiences with compelling stories and characters, while his professional journey contributed to the growing recognition of Nigerian creative talent at home and internationally.
As tributes continue to pour in, the Nigerian creative community is reflecting on the career of a performer whose influence extended beyond individual roles to the broader development, identity and professionalisation of the country’s entertainment industry.
Olu Jacobs may have taken his final bow, but his body of work, influence and contribution to Nigeria’s performing arts will remain part of the country’s cultural heritage.
