Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, is dead.

He was 84.

The news of his death was broken on Wednesday in an Instagram post by his son, Olusoji.

He wrote, “It’s with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The lion of Lufodo.”

The late actor’s wife, Joke, who is also a veteran Nollywood actor shared a similar post on social media.

Born on July 11, 1942, Mr Jacobs battled dementia with Lewy bodies, a brain disorder that affected his cognitive ability, for years before his passing.

The actor who grew up in Kano State, honed his acting skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

In 2011, then President Goodluck Jonathan conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic on Mr Jacobs.

Mr Jacobs got married to his co-actor, Joke Silva in1989 and they remained married until his passing on Wednesday.

In an interview by LagosBooks Club, he said it was not compulsory for his wife to bear his surname, advocating that her identity should not be erased because of marriage.

“She is her own individual. When I met her, she was an actress known as Joke Silva; so why should marrying me now deny her and her audience her name. She is Miss Joke Silva who is also Mrs. Joke Jacobs. It is as simple as that. People began to say what they like. They have even written that we are separated and all sorts of stuff. When she is working, she is Joke Silva and as well as Mrs. Joke Jacobs at home.” The club quoted him as saying.

In 2007, Mr Jacobs won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and also won the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Mr Jacobs starred in movies such as The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017), Oloibiri (2015), Adesuwa (2012) and many others.

He also appeared in foreign movies such as Pirates(1986), Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985) among others.

Tributes have poured in since news broke of the veteran actor’s demise.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, said the late actor had a “commanding presence” in every Nigerian home through his roles and his “unmistakable” voice.

Mr Atiku said, “His passing therefore feels deeply personal to a nation that watched him, admired him and grew up with him. The curtain may have fallen on an extraordinary life, but the characters he gave us, the standards he set and the generations he inspired will continue to speak for him.”

Also, filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele, described him as a “true legend,” saying he inspired and uplifted many young talents, extending her condolences to his family and the Nigerian film industry.

“A true legend, a kind and gracious man who was always willing to support, encourage, and uplift young talents. Your remarkable legacy and contribution to our industry will never be forgotten.

“My heartfelt condolences to Aunty Joke Silva, the children, the entire Jacobs family, and the Nigerian film industry. May God comfort and strengthen everyone during this difficult time,” she said.

Nigerian Actress Ebele Okaro described the late actor as a “one in a million,” adding that he was always on his “A game.”

She said, “Uncle Olu, you were one in a million. Your aura and power in front and behind the camera was outstanding. You always brought your A game to any job you were involved in; you carried everyone along. Working with you on a new project was always a different experience.”