Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs was laid to rest on Friday in Lagos, Nigeria. The funeral service was held at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries in attendance. Jacobs, known as the "Lion of Lufodo", had a career spanning over five decades in theatre, television, and film. His contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry have been widely recognized and celebrated.
The funeral service was attended by several high-profile guests, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Entertainment entrepreneur Dare Art Alade also performed a song, "Pray for Me", which he recorded with Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva. Jacobs' son, Olugbenga Jacobs, presented his father's biography during the funeral programme, highlighting his achievements and legacy.
A Night of Tributes and Service of Songs was held on Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, to celebrate Jacobs' life and career. The event brought together leading figures in Nollywood, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Funke Akindele, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Hilda Dokubo, Rita Dominic, and Segun Arinze. Colleagues and friends shared stories and reflections on Jacobs' impact on the industry and his influence on generations of performers.
Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British theatre and television. He later became one of Nigeria's most recognizable actors, co-founding the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife, Joke Silva. The couple contributed to film production and the training of performers, leaving a lasting legacy in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Jacobs was honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011. His death on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, triggered tributes from actors, filmmakers, political leaders, and admirers across Nigeria and beyond. Many reflected on his influence on generations of performers and his contributions to the growth of Nollywood.
The funeral service was followed by a private burial, with guests attending the service wearing shades of green. The earlier Night of Tributes had a shade of blue dress code. Jacobs' legacy continues to inspire and influence the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many celebrating his life and career.
Jacobs' impact on the industry extends beyond his performances, with his work at the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts contributing to the development of many young actors and actresses. His memory will continue to be celebrated by the Nigerian entertainment industry and his fans.
Key points
- Olu Jacobs was laid to rest in Lagos on Friday, with dignitaries attending the funeral service.
- Jacobs had a career spanning over five decades in theatre, television, and film.
- He was honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011.
