President Tinubu, Atiku Mourn Nollywood Icon Olu Jacobs After Death at 84

President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have joined Nigerians in mourning veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, who died at age 84. His son Olusoji announced the passing Wednesday via Instagram, describing Jacobs as 'The Lion of Lufodo' and requesting privacy during mourning.

The family statement highlighted Jacobs' gratitude for 'a life well lived and fought,' noting his roles as husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Bloggers and influencers were urged to respect the family's grief. Jacobs had withdrawn from public life after his wife Joke Silva disclosed his dementia with Lewy bodies diagnosis in 2021.

Tinubu praised Jacobs as 'one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors' whose career shaped theatre, television and film for over five decades, citing his role in professionalizing the industry. Atiku called him 'an institution and cultural icon' who helped build Nollywood's foundations long before its global rise, saying Jacobs' characters and standards will continue to inspire. Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group with Joke Silva in 1989, earned the MFR national honor in 2011 and won Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2007. Funeral arrangements remain unannounced as the family mourns.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/16/a-great-loss-tinubu-atiku-mourn-veteran-actor-olu-jacobs/