By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Tinubu has described late Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, as a giant of the Nigerian creative industry, following his death at age 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram on Wednesday, 16 September, 2026
In a statement issued the same day by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the late actor as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film globally.
He said Jacobs contributed to the development and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and inspired generations of actors and filmmakers through his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.
The President praised Jacobs’ ability to bring “depth, dignity, and authenticity” to the characters he portrayed, saying this earned him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.
“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 said the nation recognised 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 said.
According to the statement, Jacobs trained at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and built a career in British television and international film before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in the country’s film industry.
He received several industry honours and awards and was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Jacobs family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, their children, relatives, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and the wider creative community, and prayed for the repose of his soul.
