The family of veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has released a full programme of events for his final send-off, giving his large following in Ghana and across West Africa a clear timeline to mourn one of Nigerian cinema's most respected figures. Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son Olusoji Jacobs.
Jacobs' decades-long body of work is widely watched and celebrated in Ghana, where Nigerian cinema enjoys a wide following. His films have long been popular in the country, and his passing has been felt strongly among Ghanaian entertainment fans who grew up watching his work. The published dates and venues now give those who wish to travel to Lagos, or simply follow the tributes from home, a concrete schedule to mark.
A Night of Tributes before the funeral has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, beginning at 4 pm at Glover Memorial Hall on Customs Street, Marina, Lagos Island. Guests attending this event have been asked to dress in shades of blue. The tribute night is intended to bring together Jacobs' colleagues, friends, family, and admirers for a shared moment of remembrance.
The funeral itself will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10 am at This Present House, on Freedom Way, Lekki Phase I, Lagos. Unlike the tribute night, attendees at the funeral service have been asked to wear shades of green. This will provide a formal setting for fans and colleagues to pay their respects to the veteran actor.
Olu Jacobs built a career spanning several decades, earning recognition as one of Nollywood's most influential and respected actors. His legacy in the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come. Fans and colleagues have been paying tributes to him on social media, sharing fond memories of his work.
Emeka Ike, a Nollywood actor, was seen visibly distraught in a viral video mourning Jacobs' death, saying he had not been able to see the veteran actor before he died. The clip stirred debate online over whether such a private moment of grief should have been shared publicly, even as it added to the wave of tributes already pouring in for Jacobs across the industry.
Based on the family's announcement, the Night of Tributes will be held on September 30, 2026, in Lagos, followed by the funeral service on October 2, 2026. No further details have been given about burial arrangements after the funeral service, and organisers have not indicated whether the events will be broadcast for fans unable to travel to Lagos.
Key points
- Olu Jacobs will be honoured with a blue-themed Night of Tributes in Lagos on September 30, ahead of his funeral on October 2.
- The veteran actor's films have long been popular in Ghana, where Nigerian cinema enjoys a wide following.
- Jacobs' funeral service will take place on October 2, 2026, at This Present House, on Freedom Way, Lekki Phase I, Lagos.
