Describe actor as ‘giant’ of Nigerian creative industry, colossus of African film

The Nigerian film industry has again suffered a major loss with the death of veteran actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs. He died at 84.

The deceased’s son, Olusoji Jacobs, who announced the death yesterday in an Instagram post, said: “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle, ‘The Lion of Lufodo’.

He thereafter appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to “respect their privacy at this time.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of the veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, describing him as a “giant” of Nigeria’s creative industry whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations.

In a condolence message, Tinubu described the late thespian as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished actors and a towering figure whose remarkable career spanned theatre, television and film in Nigeria, Britain and other parts of the world.

The President acknowledged Jacobs’ significant contributions to the growth and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, noting that his exceptional talent, discipline and dedication to his craft inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.

He further commended the late actor’s ability to bring depth, dignity and authenticity to the characters he portrayed, earning him admiration in Nigeria and beyond.

Also, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, has mourned Jacobs, describing his death as the loss of a colossus of African film.

Yakubu, while describing Jacobs as an icon of the African film industry, said: “I speak with you now with a heart filled with sorrow and grief, and also with a deep sense of loss.

“Uncle Olu Jacobs was far more than an actor; he was an institution.”

He, however, described Jacobs as “a consummate creative whose name became synonymous with excellence, dignity and mastery of the craft.”

Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the passing of Olu Jacobs as a great loss to the creative industry and Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, said the legacy of Olu Jacobs would live on through his works and the memories he created.

He said that Jacobs’ contributions to the creative industry would remain evergreen, adding that the late actor’s talent, grace, and creativity were unmatched.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described Jacobs’ death as a monumental loss to the country and the entire creative industry.

She said that through the Lufodo Academy, which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are now leading lights in the creative space, Jacobs touched countless lives.

Also paying tribute, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, described the late actor as the titan of Nigerian and African cinema and theatre.

Actor, producer and director, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, stated that the late Jacobs was not just an actor but also an institution.

Former President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (NGA), Segun Arinze, described the deceased as a master of his craft, a teacher through his performances, and an inspiration to generations of actors who came after him.