Nigeria's entertainment industry came together on October 2 to bid farewell to legendary actor Olu Jacobs at a funeral service held in Lagos. Jacobs, who died on September 16 at the age of 84, was remembered for his contributions to Nigerian theatre, television, and film over a career spanning five decades. The service, held at This Present House in Lekki Phase 1, was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries.
The funeral service was a solemn yet celebratory tribute to Jacobs' life and career. Entertainment entrepreneur Darey Art Alade performed his hit song "Pray for Me," which brought many to tears and was a poignant reminder of Jacobs' enduring partnership with his wife, Joke Silva. Jacobs was fondly called 'The Lion of Lufodo' and was remembered not just as a gifted performer but as a mentor, father figure, and a strict but compassionate force who shaped generations of actors.
Jacobs' sons, Olugbenga and Olusoji, paid tribute to their father during the service. Olugbenga presented a detailed biography chronicling his father's journey from the stage to becoming one of Nigeria's most recognizable faces. Olusoji delivered the vote of thanks, expressing the family's gratitude to guests and well-wishers who stood by them during the period of mourning. Pastor Tony Rapu, Head Pastor of This Present House, delivered a moving sermon reflecting on Jacobs' life, career, and contribution to the entertainment industry.
The funeral drew a cross-section of Nigeria's political and entertainment elite, including Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka. Deputy Governor Hamzat praised Jacobs as a man who "believed Nigeria is great and will be great again despite our challenges."
Nollywood stars turned out in large numbers to pay tribute to Jacobs, describing him as a father figure - compassionate and generous, yet uncompromising in his standards. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Norbert Young, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Segun Arinze, and Patrick Doyle were among those who attended the service. Jacobs' professional legacy is inseparable from his partnership with Joke Silva, with whom he founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
The Lufodo Academy has trained countless actors and helped professionalize Nigerian theatre and film. Jacobs' influence will continue to shape the next generation of actors through the academy. The funeral followed a Night of Tributes held two days earlier at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island. The service brought the formal mourning period to a close, but conversations about Jacobs' influence continue.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers returned to Jacobs' character - a man of principle, discipline, and dignity. Younger actors spoke of the high standards he set, while older colleagues recalled his generosity behind the scenes. Olu Jacobs' body of work remains a permanent part of Nigeria's cultural heritage, and his passing is not just the loss of a celebrated actor, but of a national treasure whose legacy will endure long after the final curtain call.
Key points
- Olu Jacobs was remembered for his contributions to Nigerian theatre, television, and film over a career spanning five decades.
- The funeral service was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, including Nigeria's political and entertainment elite.
- Jacobs' legacy will continue to shape the next generation of actors through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
