Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has been laid to rest in Lagos after a funeral service attended by members of his family, colleagues, friends, and prominent figures in the entertainment industry. The service was held on Friday at the Freedom Centre in Lekki, bringing to a close ceremonies held in honour of the acclaimed actor, who died in September aged 82. Jacobs' death marked the end of an era in Nollywood, where he was revered as a legendary actor and mentor.
The funeral service was attended by notable figures, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Nollywood stars at the ceremony included Shaffy Bello, Keppy Ekpeyong, Stan Nze, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Ireti Doyle, Lala Akindoju, Kate Henshaw, OC Ukeje, Patrick Doyle, Stephanie Okereke, and Ernest Obi. The gathering was a testament to Jacobs' impact on the entertainment industry and his enduring legacy.
Prior to the funeral service, a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs was held earlier in the week at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island. During the event, Jacobs was remembered for his acting career, mentorship, and generosity. His sons, Gbenga and Soji, offered deeply personal tributes, recalling a father who remained a private family man despite his enormous public profile.
Soji Jacobs said his father was "magnetic" and genuine, adding that family remained his priority. He recalled being very close to his father, who protected their privacy fiercely despite his public profile. The tributes from his sons provided a glimpse into Jacobs' personal life, showcasing his commitment to his family.
Several actors also spoke about Jacobs' influence on their careers. Sola Sobowale described him as a mentor who helped shape her craft, while Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, said Jacobs was a father figure to many actors. RMD noted that Jacobs' professionalism, discipline, and commitment to excellence set a standard that many aspire to.
Born in 1942 to parents from Egba Alake, Jacobs grew up in Kano before travelling to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He built a career in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria in 1990. His subsequent work in productions, including The Third Eye and numerous Nigerian films, established him as one of the most respected figures in the country's acting industry.
Jacobs received several honours during his career, including the 2021 Africa International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2022 Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria Icon Award, and the Industry Merit Award at the 2023 AMVCA. His final burial has brought to an end a series of tributes celebrating a career that spanned theatre, television, and film, and an influence that extended across generations of Nigerian actors.
Key points
- Olu Jacobs was laid to rest in Lagos after a funeral service attended by family, colleagues, and prominent figures.
- Jacobs' career spanned theatre, television, and film, and he received several honours, including the 2021 Africa International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Jacobs' legacy extends beyond his films, as he inspired and mentored many actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
