Minister Musawa mourns death of Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs at 84
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Sir Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs.
Jacobs, who died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, was 84.
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Musawa described the death of the veteran actor as a major loss to Nigeria and the country’s creative industry.
Musawa said Jacobs made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry during a career spanning more than five decades.
“Olu Jacobs was not just an actor, he was a national institution. He was one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and one of Africa’s greatest actors.
“For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry,” she said.
The minister also highlighted Jacobs’ contribution to developing the next generation of creative professionals through the Lufodo Academy, which he co-founded with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
According to her, the academy has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who have gone on to contribute to Nollywood and the wider creative sector.
