Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the death of veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, describing him as a true icon of Nigerian entertainment. Sanwo-Olu mourns Olu Jacobs.
Olu Jacobs died at the age of 84 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His death was announced by his family, who asked the public and media to respect their privacy.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through his social media handles has paid tribute to late veteran actor Olu Jacobs.
In a tribute following the actor’s death, Sanwo-Olu described Jacobs as a veteran actor and a pillar of modern Nigerian cinema.
The governor said Jacobs spent more than five decades contributing to Nigeria’s entertainment industry and helping to create opportunities for younger generations of creatives.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the late actor brought “grace and heart” to Nigerian screens while making a lasting contribution to the country’s cultural landscape.
“Today, we lost a true icon of Nigerian entertainment,” Sanwo-Olu said in his tribute.
He said Jacobs’ talent and screen presence earned him widespread respect and admiration, adding that his body of work would remain part of the lives of Nigerians for years to come.
Sanwo-Olu Condoles with Joke Silva and Jacobs’ Family
The Lagos governor also extended his condolences to Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, as well as members of the actor’s family, friends and colleagues.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the many Nigerians who admired the late actor throughout his long career.
He prayed that God would grant Jacobs eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.
Sanwo-Olu mourns Olu JacobsOlu Jacobs and his wife, actress Joke Silva, were prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Olu Jacobs Leaves Decades-Long Acting Legacy
Jacobs’ career spanned theatre, television and film, both in Nigeria and internationally. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before building a career that included British television and international productions.
After returning to Nigeria, he became one of the prominent figures in the country’s developing film industry and was recognised for his performances across several decades.
Among his honours, Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a lifetime achievement award in 2016.
He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
Tributes Pour In for Olu Jacobs
Sanwo-Olu’s tribute is among a growing number of messages from political leaders, actors, filmmakers and members of the public following Jacobs’ death.
President Bola Tinubu also mourned the actor, describing him as a distinguished thespian whose career contributed to the growth and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute to Jacobs, describing him as an important figure in Nigeria’s creative history and highlighting his influence on generations of Nigerians.
Other members of the entertainment industry have continued to share memories and tributes as Nigerians remember the veteran actor’s contribution to film and theatre.
Tributes have continued to emerge following the death of veteran actor Olu Jacobs.
Sanwo-Olu: Olu Jacobs Will Be Deeply Missed
Sanwo-Olu concluded his tribute by saying Jacobs would be deeply missed.
The governor’s tribute highlighted not only the actor’s long career but also his influence on Nigerian culture and the generations of creatives who followed his path.
As the Nigerian entertainment industry mourns one of its veteran figures, Jacobs’ performances and contributions to theatre, television and film remain an important part of the country’s entertainment history.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Olu Jacobs as a true icon of Nigerian entertainment and a pillar of modern Nigerian cinema. He said Jacobs helped shape Nigerian culture and paved the way for generations of creatives.
How old was Olu Jacobs when he died?
Olu Jacobs was 84 years old when he died on September 16, 2026.
Joke Silva is a veteran Nigerian actress and the wife of Olu Jacobs. Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to her and the Jacobs family following the actor’s death.
What awards did Olu Jacobs win?
Olu Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and received several other industry honours during his career. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
