Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has paid an emotional tribute to his late colleague, Olu Jacobs, who died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. Jacobs had a career spanning over five decades in theatre, television, and film. Edochie described Jacobs as a peaceful and humorous man who "fought like a man and like a soldier" until his death. Jacobs' death was announced by his family through his son, Olusoji Jacobs.
Jacobs' family has scheduled a Night of Tributes for September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island, ahead of his funeral service on October 2 at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Edochie reflected on mortality and the inevitability of death, saying "something must kill a man" and that death ultimately comes according to God's will. Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and lived beyond the traditional biblical reference to a lifespan of 70 years.
Edochie described Jacobs as a brother and colleague who remained strong through his final years. He expressed sympathy for Jacobs' widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, acknowledging the years she spent caring for her husband. Edochie praised Silva for her dedication, saying she did her best in caring for Jacobs over the past six years. Jacobs faced health challenges in his later years, which his family had addressed publicly.
Jacobs and Silva were married in 1989 and later became business partners through the Lufodo Group. They established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, extending their work beyond acting into film production, distribution, and training. Edochie noted that Jacobs maintained a private side of his life that was known only to a small circle of people, including himself and Silva.
Edochie expressed the hope that one of Jacobs' children would take up acting, providing a lasting reminder of the veteran actor's contribution to the profession. Jacobs' career earned him several honours, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Jacobs' legacy extends beyond his acting career, with his work with the BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company, and other British and international institutions. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before returning to Nigeria to become one of the defining figures of the country's acting industry. Edochie offered words of encouragement to Silva, reflecting on the possibility of reunion after death.
Concluding his tribute, Edochie remembered Jacobs' words and offered comfort to Silva, saying her problems are firmly behind her. Jacobs' death brought to an end a career that crossed British theatre and television and Nigeria's evolving film industry. His partnership with Silva extended into production, distribution, and the training of a new generation of performers.
Key points
- Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
- Jacobs had a career spanning over five decades in theatre, television, and film.
- Pete Edochie praised Joke Silva for her six-year care of Jacobs.
