Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has paid tribute to the late veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, following the news of his death at the age of 84.

Jacobs, born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, according to a family announcement shared by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs, on Instagram.

Reacting on X, Atiku described Jacobs' passing as a profound loss for the nation.

"I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Olu Jacobs at the age of 84. Nigeria has lost far more than a great actor; we have lost an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit," he wrote.

He described the veteran actor as a defining presence in Nigerian households for generations. Adding that Jacobs helped lay the foundation for the Nollywood industry long before it became a global phenomenon.


"That unmistakable voice, the dignity he brought to every role and the sheer force of his talent made him one of those rare artists who did not merely act before an audience, but became part of our collective memory," Atiku said,

The ADC presidential candidate extended his condolences to Jacobs' family, particularly his wife and longtime partner, Joke Silva.

"My heart goes especially to his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Joke Silva, their children and the entire Jacobs family. I pray that the memories of the beautiful life they shared with him will bring them strength through this painful season," he wrote.

He also acknowledged the wider Nollywood community and Jacobs' global fanbase in his condolence message, describing the actor's legacy as one Nigeria would remember "with pride, affection and profound gratitude."

Atiku closed his tribute with a prayer for the late actor's soul and comfort for his family.

The late Olu Jacobs was a trained actor from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and built a career spanning more than five decades across British and Nigerian theatre, television and film.

He had, in recent years, largely stepped back from public life, with Silva previously speaking about his battle with dementia with Lewy bodies.

I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Olu Jacobs at the age of 84. Nigeria has lost far more than a great actor; we have lost an institution, a cultural icon and one of the finest ambassadors of our creative spirit.

For generations of Nigerians, Olu Jacobs was a familiar… pic.twitter.com/VrD9yb1KdT

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) September 16, 2026