Nollywood celebrities have flooded social media with tributes following the death of veteran actor Olu Jacobs.
Jacobs died at the age of 84 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. His family announced his death through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as the “Lion of Lufodo.”
The announcement triggered an immediate wave of reactions across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Actors, musicians, comedians, filmmakers and other public figures remembered Jacobs for his long career and influence on Nigerian theatre and film.
The family also asked bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the mourning period.
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Actor and filmmaker Stanley Ontop described the news as a painful moment for Nollywood.
He referred to the day as “Black Wednesday in Nollywood” while mourning the veteran actor.
Stanley said he woke up in tears after learning about Jacobs’ death. He also reflected on the role Jacobs played during his childhood.
His reaction captured the sense of loss felt by many younger entertainers who grew up watching the veteran actor.
The entertainment industry has experienced several major losses in recent years, but Jacobs’ death has drawn particular attention because of his decades-long career.
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RMD Pays Emotional Tribute to ‘Uncle Jay’
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, also paid tribute to Jacobs.
RMD described the late actor as an icon, pioneer and giant of Nigerian theatre and film.
He recalled his personal relationship with Jacobs and referred to him as “Uncle Jay.”
According to RMD, Jacobs helped create opportunities for actors who came after him.
He also praised the late actor’s discipline, talent and commitment to his craft.
RMD said Jacobs’ return to Nigeria and dedication to the industry showed that excellence and integrity could have a place in the creative sector.
The tribute highlighted the professional influence Jacobs had on several generations of Nigerian actors.
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Mercy Johnson Remembers Precious Moments
Actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie shared an emotional tribute to Jacobs.
She recalled working with him on different movie sets.
Johnson said she would always remember the laughter, joy and corrections they shared while working together.
She described Jacobs as more than a veteran actor.
According to her, his presence and guidance became part of her own professional journey.
Johnson said the memories would remain special to her despite his passing.
She also described him as a legend whose impact would continue through the people he influenced.
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Funke Akindele Praises Jacobs’ Support for Young Talents
Funke Akindele also joined the growing list of celebrities mourning the actor.
The actress described Jacobs as a true legend and a kind, gracious man.
She praised his willingness to support, encourage and uplift younger talents.
Akindele also highlighted his contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
She sent condolences to Joke Silva, the children and the entire Jacobs family.
Her tribute also included prayers for the family and members of the creative industry.
Akindele’s message reflected the view shared by many colleagues that Jacobs played a role beyond acting.
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Yemi Solade Celebrates ‘Lion of Lufodo’
Veteran actor Yemi Solade also paid tribute to Jacobs.
Solade referred to him as the “Lion of Lufodo.”
He celebrated Jacobs’ creative achievements and the impact he made throughout his career.
Solade said the actor’s artistic power and memories would remain with those who knew his work.
The tribute echoed the title used by Jacobs’ family in announcing his death.
Jacobs’ connection to Lufodo also extends beyond his acting career.
He and Joke Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The institutions have contributed to training and developing creative talent in Nigeria.
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Mr Latin, Muyiwa Ademola Join Tributes
The President of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Mr Latin, also mourned Jacobs.
He described him as a legend, icon and master of his craft.
Mr Latin said Jacobs’ influence on Nigerian theatre and film would remain unforgettable.
Actor Muyiwa Ademola also described Jacobs as an institution.
He praised the late actor’s voice, screen presence and influence on generations of performers.
Ademola said Jacobs did more than act.
He credited him with showing younger actors what professional acting could achieve.
He also referred to him as the “Lion of Lufodo” while reflecting on his legacy.
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Broda Shaggi and Mr Macaroni React
Popular skit maker Mr Macaroni also reacted to Jacobs’ death.
He described the veteran as a legend, icon and inspiration.
Broda Shaggi also prayed for Jacobs’ soul and asked that his memory remain alive.
Their reactions showed the influence Jacobs had beyond traditional Nollywood.
Many younger entertainers grew up watching the veteran actor’s films and television performances.
His career therefore connected different generations of Nigerian performers.
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Empress Njamah Describes Jacobs as a Great Thespian
Actress Empress Njamah also paid tribute to the late actor.
She used theatrical imagery to describe his passing.
Njamah said the “lights” had gone out and the “curtains” had closed on his life.
She described Jacobs as a great thespian.
She also prayed for strength for his family during the difficult period.
Her tribute reflected Jacobs’ deep connection with theatre before and during his rise in Nigerian film.
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Desmond Elliot Pays Tribute to Veteran Actor
Actor and politician Desmond Elliot also reacted to Jacobs’ death.
Elliot described Jacobs as a father figure and thanked him for his contribution.
He said Jacobs made Africa proud through his work.
Elliot also prayed for the family and loved ones left behind.
The reaction added to the long list of tributes from actors who worked in the Nigerian film industry.
Jacobs’ influence reached many performers who entered the industry decades after his own career began.
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More Nollywood Stars Mourn Olu Jacobs
Several other entertainment figures also expressed their grief.
They include Madam Saje, Mo Abudu, Toyosi Adesanya, Mike Ezuruonye, Emeka Rollas and Susan Peters.
Evan Okoro, Daniel Etim Effiong, Abey Lanre and comedian Mr Jolof also mourned the veteran.
Agatha Amata, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Pastor Femi Lazarus and Banky W joined the tributes.
Dare Justified, Deyemi Okanlawon and influencer Enioluwa also remembered Jacobs.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, was among the public figures who paid tribute.
President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned Jacobs.
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Olu Jacobs Leaves Long Acting Legacy
Jacobs built an acting career that spanned more than five decades.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before appearing in British television productions and international films.
He later became one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian theatre and film.
His distinctive voice and commanding performances became important parts of his screen identity.
He also received several honours during his career.
The Federal Government conferred the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, on him in 2011.
He also received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
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Family Asks for Privacy
Jacobs’ family has asked the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death on Instagram on Wednesday.
The family described the actor as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
It also identified him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, has remained closely associated with his career and legacy.
The couple married in 1989 and worked together across several creative projects.
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A Lasting Impact on Nigerian Entertainment
The reactions following Olu Jacobs’ death show the wide reach of his career.
His colleagues remembered him as an actor, mentor, teacher and industry pioneer.
Younger entertainers also described him as an inspiration.
His work crossed theatre, television and film.
Through his performances and creative institutions, Jacobs became part of the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
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For many Nigerian actors and filmmakers, his passing marks the end of a significant chapter.
The tributes will continue as the entertainment industry remembers a career that lasted for decades.
Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, their children and grandchildren. His family has not yet announced funeral arrangements.
