Olu Jacobs
Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Olu Jacobs, has died at 84.
The actor’s death was confirmed by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 16.
Olusoji described the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while paying tribute to him as “The Lion of Lufodo”.
The family said it was grateful to God for the life Olu Jacobs lived and the battles he fought throughout his lifetime.
The announcement comes after years of false reports claiming that the respected actor had died. Those reports were previously dismissed by his family, making Wednesday’s confirmation particularly painful for his loved ones and fans.
In announcing his father’s death, Olusoji appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to give the family privacy as they grieve.
Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.
He also worked in British television productions and international movies before becoming one of the most recognisable and influential figures in Nigeria’s film industry.
His decades-long contributions to acting earned him widespread recognition and established him as a notable pioneer of the Nigerian film industry.
The news of his passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, industry players and admirers across Nigeria and beyond.