Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, who passed away at the age of 84, describing the loss as that of “an institution” and “a cultural icon.” In a statement released on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Atiku highlighted three defining qualities of Jacobs’ career: his unmistakable voice, the dignity he brought to every role, and the sheer force of his talent. These attributes, Atiku said, made Jacobs “one of those rare artists who did not merely act before an audience, but became part of our collective memory.”
Atiku on Olu Jacobs' Legacy and Nollywood's Foundation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election noted that Olu Jacobs had been building his reputation long before Nollywood became a global industry. According to Atiku, Jacobs helped lay the groundwork for the Nigerian film industry through decades of commitment to his craft, thereby giving younger actors a path to follow.
“He gave life to our stories, dignity to our culture and inspiration to countless younger actors who followed the path he helped to clear,” Atiku wrote in the statement. The former vice president added that the actor's death “feels deeply personal to a nation that watched him, admired him and grew up with him.” He further noted that the characters Jacobs portrayed and the standards he set would continue to speak for him long after his passing.
Condolences to Joke Silva and the Jacobs Family
Atiku directed particular sympathy towards Olu Jacobs' wife, actress Joke Silva, describing her as his “beloved wife and lifelong partner.” He also extended condolences to their children and the wider Jacobs family, expressing hope that the memories of their time together would bring them comfort.
Beyond the immediate family, Atiku addressed the broader Nollywood community, the wider African creative world, and fans around the globe who he said were mourning “a truly remarkable man.” In closing, Atiku stated: “Olu Jacobs gave Nigeria his talent, his voice and a lifetime of excellence. Nigeria will remember him with pride, affection and profound gratitude.”
Context: Recent Political Losses
Legit.ng earlier reported that Bamanga Tukur, a towering figure in Nigerian politics and business for over six decades, died in Abuja on Saturday, September 12. Tukur held major roles including Governor of old Gongola State, Minister of Industries, and PDP National Chairman from 2012 to 2014. Beyond politics, he founded BHI Holdings and led the Africa Business Roundtable as a founder, past president, and Life Patron. The deaths of both figures mark significant losses for Nigeria's cultural and political landscapes within the same week.
