President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, who died at the age of 84.
Jacobs’ death was announced by his son on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the late actor as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished thespians and a towering figure whose career spanned theatre, television and film both in Nigeria and internationally.
The President said Jacobs played a significant role in the growth and professionalisation of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, while his talent, discipline and commitment to his craft inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.
Tinubu also praised the late actor for bringing “depth, dignity and authenticity” to the characters he portrayed, qualities which earned him recognition and admiration both in Nigeria and abroad.
“He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts.
“His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that Nigerian creative practitioners have made significant contributions to the country’s cultural identity, international image and economic development.
According to him, Jacobs was among the prominent figures who helped shape and project that identity through his decades of work in the performing arts.
“The nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity,” he added.
Jacobs, who enjoyed a career spanning several decades, was widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s film and theatre industry.