Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has joined the growing tributes to veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, describing his death as the loss of an institution to Nigeria.
Jacobs died at the age of 84, with his death announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday. The family described the veteran actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to the public and social media users to respect its privacy.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said Jacobs’ contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry went far beyond his work as an actor.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former vice president described him as a cultural icon whose career helped shape the country’s entertainment industry and inspired generations of performers.
“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.”
Atiku noted that Jacobs had become a familiar presence in the homes of Nigerians across generations, highlighting his distinctive voice, commanding performances and the dignity he brought to his roles.
He said the actor’s influence extended beyond individual films because of the lasting impression he made on audiences and fellow performers.
According to Atiku, Jacobs was already making a name for Nigeria internationally before Nollywood developed into the global industry it is today.
He credited the late actor with helping to establish the foundations of the Nigerian film industry while giving prominence to Nigerian stories and culture.
“Through decades of dedication to his craft, he helped lay the foundations upon which an entire industry would rise,” Atiku said.
“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 said the death of Jacobs would be deeply felt by Nigerians who had watched and admired his work over several decades.
He, however, said the actor’s legacy would continue through the characters he portrayed, the standards he established and the performers he inspired.
“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,” he said.
Jacobs had a career spanning more than five decades, working across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions and international films and later becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Nollywood.
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His career earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Atiku extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife and fellow veteran actress, Joke Silva, their children and other members of the Jacobs family.
He also commiserated with colleagues in Nollywood, the wider African creative industry and the millions of admirers who followed Jacobs’ career.
“My heart goes especially to his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Joke Silva, their children and the entire Jacobs family,” Atiku said.
“I pray that the memories of the beautiful life they shared with him will bring them strength through this painful season.”
The ADC presidential candidate said Jacobs had given Nigeria his talent and voice throughout a career marked by excellence.
“Nigeria will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude,” he added.
Atiku concluded his tribute by praying for the repose of Jacobs’ soul and strength for his bereaved family.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family in this hour of grief,” he said.
Jacobs’ death has since prompted tributes from politicians, actors and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, reflecting the breadth of his influence across generations.