Tears for a legend: How Nollywood stars mourned Olu Jacobs

The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into mourning on Wednesday, September 16, after veteran actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, died at age 84.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the news, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and urging bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourned.

Almost immediately after the announcement, tributes poured in from actors, filmmakers and other Nigerian entertainers, many of whom described Jacobs not merely as an accomplished actor, but as a mentor, father figure, industry pioneer and an inspiration to generations of performers.

For many of his colleagues, the loss went beyond that of a celebrated screen star. It marked the end of an era for an actor whose career spanned theatre, television and film for more than five decades.

RMD: ‘Uncle Jay, you have taken your final bow’

Among the most emotional tributes was that of veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, who remembered Jacobs as “Uncle Jay”.

RMD reflected on the late actor’s enormous influence on his own career and on the Nigerian film industry, describing him as a pioneer whose talent, discipline and command of his craft helped shape the industry.

He recalled that Jacobs’ decision to return home and contribute to the Nigerian creative industry opened doors for many younger actors.

According to RMD, Jacobs was more than a legend on screen. He was a husband, father, friend, elder and mentor whose impact extended beyond his performances.

“Uncle Jay, you have taken your final bow,” RMD wrote, adding that although Jacobs had left the stage, the stories, characters, lessons and generations he inspired would continue to preserve his memory.

He particularly extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their children.

Funke Akindele remembers a generous mentor

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele also mourned Jacobs, describing him as “a true legend” and a kind and gracious man.

Akindele focused on the veteran actor’s relationship with younger talents, recalling how he supported, encouraged and uplifted those coming behind him.

She noted that his remarkable contribution to the Nigerian film industry would not be forgotten.

Her tribute reflected a recurring theme in the outpouring of grief: Jacobs’ influence extended beyond the roles he played. His colleagues also remembered him for the standards he set and the encouragement he gave to younger practitioners.

Kate Henshaw: ‘A great one’

Actress Kate Henshaw joined the growing number of Nollywood stars paying tribute to the veteran.

Rather than a lengthy statement, Henshaw shared a photograph of Jacobs and described him as “a great one”, reflecting the shock and sadness that followed the news of his death.

Several other actors echoed her reaction, sharing photographs and memories of the late screen icon across social media.

Mercy Johnson recalls time on set

For actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie, the loss brought back memories of working with Jacobs.

She was among the entertainers who shared emotional reflections about their encounters with the veteran actor, remembering his presence and influence on set.

Her tribute formed part of a wider wave of personal recollections from younger actors who had the opportunity to work alongside Jacobs during his later years in the industry.

Ini Edo: ‘You will forever be in our hearts’

Actress Ini Edo also expressed her grief, paying tribute to Jacobs with the words: “Rest well, Uncle! You will forever be in our hearts.”

Her message captured the affection younger generations of Nigerian actors had for Jacobs.

Other entertainers, including Williams Uchemba, Mr Macaroni, Broda Shaggi and Isbae U, also took to social media to mourn the actor.

Uchemba described Jacobs as a legend whose life was well spent, while Mr Macaroni remembered him as a “Legend, Icon and an absolute Inspiration to us all.”

Ego Boyo salutes ‘a gentleman’

Veteran actress Ego Boyo also paid tribute to Jacobs, remembering him simply as “a gentleman”, “an actor” and “an icon”.

Her tribute ended with a prayer for his peaceful rest.

The simplicity of the message reflected the reverence with which colleagues regarded Jacobs, both personally and professionally, over the years.

Others

Other veterans of the Nigerian film and theatre industry also paid their respects.

Prince Jide Kosoko described Jacobs as a true patriot and a legend, calling him “The Lion of Lufodo”.

Alexander Usifo and actress Kemi Lala Akindoju also paid tribute, highlighting Jacobs’ contribution to Nigerian theatre and film and recalling his influence on those who worked with him.

Their reactions showed the breadth of Jacobs’ professional relationships, stretching from veterans who shared the industry with him for decades to younger actors who regarded him as an elder and role model.

Life of Olu Jacobs

Beyond the immediate emotional reactions, many of the tributes focused on the scale of Jacobs’ career.

Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. They built an international career before becoming one of the most recognisable faces of Nigerian film and theatre.

He appeared in British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became a defining figure in the country’s emerging film industry.

His commanding voice, diction and ability to portray authoritative characters made him particularly recognisable to Nigerian audiences.

Alongside Joke Silva, whom he married in 1989, Jacobs was also involved in the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, extending their contribution to the industry beyond acting into production, distribution and training.

His achievements included the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.