The family of veteran Nigerian actor Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has announced the dates for the funeral arrangements. Jacobs died on September 16 at the age of 84, bringing to an end a career that spanned more than five decades across theatre, television, and film. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement that described the actor as "The Lion of Lufodo."
The funeral programme was publicly announced on Wednesday, with veteran actress Gloria Anozie Young sharing the burial details, while Jacobs' widow, Joke Silva, separately invited President Bola Tinubu to the ceremonies in a letter dated the same day. The Night of Tributes will hold on Wednesday, September 30, at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island, and is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., with guests expected to appear in shades of blue.
Jacobs' funeral service will be held two days later, on Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The dress code for the funeral service is shades of green. The arrangements were contained in a letter signed by Mr Jacobs' widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In the letter, Silva thanked Mr Tinubu for his condolence message following the actor's death and for acknowledging his contribution to Nigeria's creative industry. Mr Tinubu had, in his condolence message issued after Jacobs' death, described the actor as a major figure in Nigeria's creative industry and said his work had contributed to the country's cultural identity and global image.
Born in Kano to parents of Egba-Alake heritage from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Jacobs developed an interest in drama as a young man before travelling to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His professional career included work with major British and international institutions, such as the BBC, the National Theatre, and Universal Pictures.
Jacobs received several recognitions during his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). He and Silva also co-founded the Lufodo Group, with interests spanning film production, distribution, and performing arts education.
The Night of Tributes on September 30 will provide an opportunity for colleagues, friends, and admirers to celebrate Jacobs' life and career before the funeral service on October 2. The family gave his dates as July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026, and appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
Key points
- The funeral programme for Olu Jacobs includes a Night of Tributes on September 30 and a funeral service on October 2.
- Jacobs' widow, Joke Silva, invited President Bola Tinubu to the ceremonies in a letter dated September 23.
- Jacobs had a career spanning over five decades and received several recognitions, including the Africa Movie Academy Award and the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
