The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) have joined Nigerians and admirers across the world in mourning the death of veteran actor and theatre icon, Chief Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died on Tuesday at the age of 84.
In a tribute shared by the Executive Director of the agency, Dr. Shaibu Husseini on social media, the NFVCB described Jacobs as a titan of Nigerian and African cinema and theatre, whose decades-long career helped shape the identity of modern Nigerian entertainment. The board said the actor, fondly called “Uncle Olu” by younger colleagues, distinguished himself with his commanding stage presence, rich voice, impeccable diction and remarkable gravitas.
The NFVCB recalled Jacobs’ training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London and his appearances on international stages before his significant contributions to Nigerian theatre, television and Nollywood. According to the board, his career demonstrated the artistic excellence and cultural value of Nigerian storytelling, while his portrayal of royal and authoritative characters left a lasting impression on audiences and generations of performers.
The board also described Jacobs as an influential figure whose contribution went beyond individual performances, saying he helped elevate the international profile of Nigerian film and demonstrated that African stories could command attention on the world stage. It described him as the “Lion of Lufodo” and noted that his legacy would remain permanently etched in the history of Nigerian and global cinema and theatre.
Similarly, the Nigerian Film Corporation said the actor’s death was “deeply painful” and represented a great loss to Nigeria’s film industry. In a statement issued in Jos by its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dr Ali Nuhu, the corporation described Jacobs as a filmmaker, storyteller, mentor and patriot whose decades of domestic and international practice had a significant impact on the growth and development of the industry.
Nuhu said Jacobs devoted his life to promoting positive narratives and conversations about the growth of Nigerian cinema, appearing in numerous television soaps, feature films and documentaries. He also highlighted the late actor’s influence on his family, colleagues, friends and the wider Nigerian and diasporic film and television community, saying his distinctive voice and screen presence would be deeply missed.
The NFC further acknowledged Jacobs’ place among Nigeria’s early iconic film stakeholders and celebrated the numerous recognitions he received during his career, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Both the NFVCB and NFC extended condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers, while praying for strength for those he left behind and eternal rest for the legendary actor.
