Netizens Mourn Olu Jacobs, Celebrate Veteran Actor’s Legacy

Netizens have flooded social media with tributes following the death of veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, at the age of 84.

TVC News reported that Olu Jacobs’ death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as “The Lion of Lufodo.” In the family announcement, Olusoji 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 family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the mourning period.

Jacobs, who was born on July 11, 1942, built a career spanning stage, television, film and radio. According to Lufodo Group, which he co-founded, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and worked with major British and international organisations including the BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, MGM, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures and Pinewood Studios. His body of work spanned about five decades and included more than 300 movies in Nigeria.

Beyond acting, Jacobs was also a writer, stage director and producer, while serving as executive chairman of the Lufodo Group. The company, established as a stage and film production outfit in 1985, later expanded into film, television, theatre, distribution and training. Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts to provide professional training in the performing arts.

His career included appearances in international productions such as Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend and Pirates, while his Nigerian screen work helped establish him as one of the familiar faces of the country’s film industry. He was also a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), while Lufodo lists among his honours an African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and lifetime achievement recognitions.

Following news of his death, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described Jacobs as a “Consummate actor; quintessential professional; god of the screen and legend of the stage; role model and perfect gentleman,” before adding, “Olu Jacobs. Rest in peace.”

Other Nigerians and fans also took to social media to remember the veteran actor and reflect on the impact of his work.

Rowland Ojemeh wrote, “A true legend bows out. May God console his family.”

Hychi Global said, “Respect for the legend…. Rest in peace 🕊️ Papa. I really enjoyed your movie.”

@somebody_ex_ expressed shock at the news, writing, “Oh no God why him 😢 😭 death took the wrong person this man is a fucking legend brah rip to him though.”

Jesuferanmi also paid tribute to Jacobs, writing, “Wow ! May his soul rest in peace. He had been in a state that wasn’t palatable for some time now. Rest well legend. God console his wife.”

Emmasco6 wrote, “omo,good people just dey d!e dey go 💔 i enjoyed his movies,my papa love am d!e 😞 may your soul rest in peace sir.”

Web3elevation described Jacobs as “A true veteran of Nigerian cinema whose performances touched generations,” adding, “His legacy will live on through the countless characters and memories he gave us.”

Read Also: BREAKING: Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

The user also prayed for comfort for Jacobs’ family, friends, colleagues and fans, writing, “May God comfort his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. 🙏🏾”

Charlzzy Fizzle described Jacobs as “One of the soul builder of today Nollyhood industry,” while recalling his voice, character and support for younger people.

“You truly be miss Daddy olu Jacob rest in peace Sir,” the user added.

For JezebelReborn, Jacobs’ work was closely tied to childhood memories.

“RIP LEGEND 💔💔💔 You made my childhood memorable,” the user wrote.

Onu Stacks also mourned the actor, writing, “RIP to the legend. 🕊️ May God give his wife and family the strength to bear this painful loss. 🙏🏾”

The tributes come as Nigerians remember an actor whose career moved across different eras of the country’s entertainment industry, from professional theatre and British television to international films and the growth of Nollywood. His death marks the end of a career that, according to Lufodo, spanned roughly 50 years across stage, film and radio.