Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and several Nigerian entertainers have mourned veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who died at age 84.
Jacobs’ son, Olusoji, announced his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Reacting to the death in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Atiku described Jacobs as “an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.”
Atiku said, “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.
“For generations of Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was a familiar and commanding presence in our homes. That unmistakable voice, the dignity he brought to every role and the sheer force of his talent made him one of those rare artists who did not merely act before an audience, but became part of our collective memory.
“Long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon, Olu Jacobs was already carrying the Nigerian name with distinction. Through decades of dedication to his craft, he helped lay the foundations upon which an entire industry would rise. He gave life to our stories, dignity to our culture and inspiration to countless younger actors who followed the path he helped to clear.”