The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, has expressed sorrow over the death of veteran actor, Oludotun Jacobs, MFR, eulogising him as a colossus of cinema and theatre in Nigeria and across Africa.
His family announce his passing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026
In a condolence message released on Wednesday, the Board said it joins millions of admirers around the world in grieving the loss of the celebrated figure, who was fondly called “Uncle Olu” by his younger colleagues.
The statement read that for more than fifty years, Uncle Olu did not merely act; he dominated both the stage and the screen.
It noted that his deep, resonant voice, flawless diction and extraordinary presence established the benchmark for acting on the continent.
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The NFVCB recalled that his journey, from formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, RADA, in London to performing on global stages and playing a pioneering role in contemporary Nigerian theatre and Nollywood, represented a lesson in outstanding artistry.
The Board stated that his impact extended beyond his personal roles, as he raised the cultural standing of Nigerian film and demonstrated that stories from Nigeria merit the most prestigious platforms.
The Late Olu Jacobs embodied royalty with exceptional dignity and made a lasting impression on successive generations of filmmakers, performers and viewers.
The regulatory body further described the deceased, also revered as the “Lion of Lufodo,” as having taken his final bow, yet leaving behind a legacy firmly imprinted on the annals of world cinema and theatre.
“We bid farewell to an unrivalled legend and a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the NFVCB said.
Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Jacobs died at the age of 84.
NP
