THE Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has mourned the passing of Nigeria’s legendary actor and cultural icon, Sir Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, MFR, who died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
News Point Nigeria reports that the ministry, in a statement reacting to the death, described Olu Jacobs as a national institution and one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, while commending his contributions to the growth of the country’s creative sector.
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The statement was signed by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Ph.D., Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, and dated September 16, 2026.
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Reacting to the sad news, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., described his death as a monumental loss to the nation and the entire creative industry.
“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”.
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“Through the Lufodo Academy which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are now leading Nollywood, and the countless lives he touched, his legacy will continue to live on stage, on screen and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians. Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade,” Musawa stated.
On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the entire creative community, the ministry also extended heartfelt condolences to Dame Joke Silva, his children and other family members.
