Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and veteran actress Kate Henshaw have joined a wave of tributes following the death of celebrated Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Wednesday, September 16, in an Instagram post that described the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo.” His family identified him as Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, born on July 11, 1942, and appealed for privacy as relatives mourned his passing.
Omokri, in a tribute posted on X, described Jacobs as a national icon whose pioneering career as an international actor inspired generations of Nigerians and helped draw many young people into television and film.
He recalled watching Jacobs as a child and marvelling at his appearances in British television productions and international films after his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Omokri particularly highlighted Jacobs’ appearance in the British television series, The Professionals, as well as his roles in international films including The Dogs of War, where he appeared alongside Christopher Walken, and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.
“As children, we watched in awe as one of us starred in multiple British sitcoms and several global blockbuster movies,” Omokri said.
He portrayed Jacobs as a pioneer of Nigerian cinema and placedvhim alongside the late theatre legend Chief Hubert Ogunde among the figures who helped establish the foundation of what later became Nollywood.
Omokri also recalled Jacobs’ appearances in television commercials. He said several of them are memorable productions that continue to evoke nostalgia among Nigerians.
He noted that Jacobs appeared in hundreds of Nollywood films and said his contribution to the industry had been substantial.
According to him, Jacobs’ modesty meant that others had sometimes claimed pioneering status in Nigerian cinema, but he maintained that the actor’s documented career spoke for itself.
Omokri expressed sympathy for Jacobs’ wife, actress Joke Silva, and their children, while praying for comfort for the family.
“A grateful nation will miss Mr Jacobs, who, thankfully, got the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) title in his lifetime,” he added.
Henshaw also took to X to mourn her senior colleague, whom she described as “a great one” and asked for divine comfort for his family.
“ADIEU TO A GREAT ONE!! You lived and shared your gift with the world. Rest well Uncle Olu Jacobs,” she wrote.
Henshaw also prayed for comfort for Jacobs’ wife, whom she affectionately referred to as “Aunty J”, and his children, Soji and Gbenga.
The tributes have extended across Nigeria’s entertainment community, while actors and younger content creators reflect on Jacobs’ influence on successive generations of performers.
Actor and content creator William Uchemba described Jacobs as a legend and reflected on a life he considered well spent. Content creator Broda Shaggi also expressed grief, praying for the late actor’s soul and the preservation of his memory.
Mr Macaroni hailed Jacobs as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration”, while Isbae U also paid tribute to the veteran actor.
The range of reactions reflects the different generations of performers influenced by Jacobs’ work. His career stretched from British television and international cinema to Nigerian theatre, television and film, giving him a rare professional footprint across several eras of the performing arts.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions and international films. He later established himself as one of the defining faces of Nigerian acting.
His contribution also extended beyond individual performances. Jacobs and Joke Silva were associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, institutions involved in film production and the development of performing arts in Nigeria.
His work earned major recognition, including the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and the Africa Movie Academy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
Jacobs’ death also closes a chapter marked by repeated false reports of his passing. In June 2024, his family dismissed another death report and confirmed that he was alive. The recent announcement, however, came directly from his family.
As condolences continue to arrive, the focus has shifted from the false reports that once surrounded his name to the body of work he leaves behind. From the stage to television and cinema, Jacobs spent more than five decades interpreting characters and helping shape the professional culture of Nigerian acting.
His family has not disclosed the cause of death and has asked the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
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