Nollywood Stars Pay Emotional Tribute Following Passing Of Olu Jacobs

Late Olu Jacobs (1942-2026)

The Nigerian movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the passing of veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs.

The Nigerian Voice recalls that the legendary actor, widely regarded as one of the godfathers of Nollywood, died at the age of 84. His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the news on Instagram on Wednesday, stating that the family announced his passing with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought.

The statement described him as a dear husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, referring to him as "The Lion of Lufodo." It confirmed that he lived from July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026, and urged bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.

Following the announcement, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and industry stakeholders. Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson described him as a legend, recalling their moments on set as truly precious memories filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of corrections.

She wrote, "Rest on, legend…Rest well, Uncle Olu. I could never forget our moments on set, truly precious memories, filled with so much laughter, joy, and, of course, plenty of corrections."

Media mogul and CEO of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu, described him as a legend and one of the true giants of African cinema, theatre, and television. She noted that he was more than an extraordinary actor, bringing rare depth, dignity, and humanity to every role.

She expressed her privilege at having witnessed his brilliance and known his warmth, adding that his contribution to the industry and global storytelling can never be forgotten.

She wrote, "A legend has passed. Uncle Olu Jacobs. Today, we mourn the passing of one of the true giants of African cinema, theatre and television. Uncle Olu was more than an extraordinary actor. He was a presence, a voice and a master of his craft. From the stage to Nigerian cinema and television, and onto international screens, he brought a rare depth, dignity and humanity to every role he inhabited.

He lit up screens around the world and became one of the most recognisable and respected faces of African storytelling, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers along the way. I feel privileged to have witnessed his brilliance and to have known the warmth, dignity and grace he brought to those around him. His contribution to our industry and to global storytelling can never be forgotten. His work will continue to live on, and so will the memories of the man behind the legend. Thank you, Uncle Olu, for the years of magic, for the stories, for the inspiration and for the legacy you leave behind. You will be deeply missed. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Rest well, Legend."

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham offered her condolences, noting that his legacy will forever speak and his impact will never be forgotten. She prayed for God to comfort his wife, Joke Silva, and the entire family, writing, "Araba, Araba ló. Your legacy will forever speak, and your impact will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences, Maami Ajoke silva May God comfort you and the entire family, and may the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace."

Actress Kate Henshaw celebrated the life he lived and the gift he shared with the world, describing him as her greatest of all time. She noted that he held his own across borders and expressed gratitude for the cherished moments she had with him, adding that she learnt at his feet.

She wrote, "I celebrate the life you lived, your gift which you shared with the world. My G.O.A.T. Your legacy is cast in our hearts, not just in stone… You held your own across borders. I am so glad I have cherished moments with you to remember. I learnt at your feet and became a little part of your amazing family. Aunty J mi toh quality, Soji & Gbenga with the rest of the family, be comforted. God has him."

Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele described him as a true legend, a kind and gracious man who was always willing to support, encourage, and uplift young talents. She stated that his remarkable legacy and contribution to the industry will never be forgotten, and offered her condolences to his wife, children, and the entire Jacobs family.

She wrote, "A true legend, a kind and gracious man who was always willing to support, encourage and uplift young talents. Your remarkable legacy and contribution to our industry will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to Aunty Joke Silva, the children, the entire Jacobs family and the Nigerian film industry. May God grant Uncle Olu eternal rest, and may He bless all of us in the creative industry with good health and long life. Amen."

Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, penned an emotional tribute, describing him as an icon, a pioneer, and a giant of Nigerian theatre and film. He revealed that he called him Uncle Jay, noting that his presence helped make the path easier for those who came after him.

RMD emphasized that if Uncle had not returned home, many of them may not have become who they are today. He extended his prayers to Joke Silva and the family, celebrating the stories, characters, lessons, and generations he inspired.

He wrote, "Some losses leave you searching for words, because nothing you say can truly capture what has been lost. To many, he was an icon. A pioneer. A giant of Nigerian theatre and film. A man whose talent, discipline and extraordinary command of his craft helped shape the industry we know today. To me, he was Uncle Jay. He was one of the men whose presence helped make the path easier for those of us who came after. His return home, his commitment to the craft and the standard he set reminded us that there was a place for excellence, discipline and integrity in the work we had chosen to do. I have said before that if Uncle had not returned home, many of us may not have become who we are today. That is the impact of his life. That is the magnitude of his contribution. But today, I don't want to speak only about the legend. I want to remember the man. The husband. The father. The friend. The elder. The man behind the roles, the voice and the remarkable career. And my heart and prayers are especially with my dear sister, Joke, the children, and the entire family during this difficult time. Uncle Jay, you have taken your final bow. And while we mourn THE MAN… We will celebrate the stories. We will celebrate the characters. We will celebrate the lessons. We will celebrate the generations you inspired. We will celebrate the immense contribution you made to the art and culture of Nigeria. Thank you for giving your gift to us. Thank you for showing us what it means to honour your craft. Thank you for leaving behind something that time cannot erase. You may have taken your final bow, but the curtain will never truly fall on the legacy you leave behind. Rest well, Uncle Jay. You will be deeply missed."