Remains of late veteran actor Olu Jacobs were interred at a private cemetery in Lagos, following a funeral service at This Present House Church in Lekki. Jacobs died at 84, capping a career spanning several decades that earned him recognition as one of Nigeria's most respected actors. His funeral ceremony was attended by family, colleagues, friends, dignitaries, and Nollywood stars. The event was a night of tributes and a service of songs honouring his contributions to Nigeria's entertainment industry.
The funeral was attended by high-profile figures, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun, Lagos State First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, former Ekiti State First Lady Bisi Fayemi, and Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa. Nollywood personalities present included Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Toyosi Adesanya, Ruth Kadiri, and Rita Dominic, among others.
Born in 1942 to parents from Egba Alake, Jacobs spent his early years in Kano, where he attended Holy Trinity School. His interest in the performing arts developed after watching a Hubert Ogunde concert party performance at the Colonial Hotel in Kano. Jacobs later trained as an actor at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Jacobs built his stage career in the 1970s, playing The Boy in 'A Taste of Honey' at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 1972. He appeared in British television productions, including 'The Goodies,' 'Till Death Us Do Part,' and 'Barlow at Large.' In 1978, he portrayed President Mageeba in Michael Codron's presentation of Sir Tom Stoppard's play 'Night and Day.'
After returning to Nigeria in 1990, Jacobs featured in the NTA detective series 'The Third Eye' before becoming a prominent figure in Nollywood. He acted in hundreds of films, establishing himself as one of Nigeria's most acclaimed performers. His career earned him several honours, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Africa International Film Festival and an Icon Award from the Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria in 2022.
Jacobs' passing was announced by his family on September 16, 2026. The final burial rites in Lagos were marked by solemn hymns, performances, tributes, and recollections of his life. His wife, Joke Silva, and their sons, Gbenga and Soji, were present. Soji shared reflections on growing up with his father, emphasising that family was always Jacobs' top priority.
The event was a testament to Jacobs' impact on Nigeria's entertainment industry. His legacy as a pioneering actor and icon in Nollywood continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans. Jacobs' contributions to Nigerian cinema have left a lasting impression, cementing his place as one of the country's most beloved and respected actors.
Key points
- Olu Jacobs was laid to rest in Lagos after a funeral service attended by Nollywood stars and dignitaries.
- Jacobs had a career spanning several decades, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria's most respected actors.
- He received several honours, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Africa International Film Festival.
