Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Olu Jacobs was laid to rest in Lagos on Friday, October 2, 2026. His funeral service was held at This Present House Church in Lekki, Lagos, and was attended by several members of Nigeria's entertainment industry. Jacobs' career spanned several decades across theatre, television, and film, and he was known for his distinctive voice and acting style. Entertainment entrepreneur and singer Darey Art Alade paid tribute to Jacobs during the service with a performance of his hit song "Pray For Me," which featured the late actor and his wife, Joke Silva.
Jacobs' son, Olugbenga Jacobs, presented his father's biography during the funeral proceedings, allowing members of the audience to reflect on the life and career of the celebrated actor. The burial came two days after a Night of Tributes held on Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island, which brought together Nollywood actors, filmmakers, and other well-wishers to celebrate Jacobs' life and contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry. The event was a testament to Jacobs' impact on the industry and his enduring legacy.
Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his family, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirming the development in a post shared on Instagram. The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, and asked the public to respect their privacy as they mourned his death. Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and had a long and distinguished career in theatre, television, and film.
Before establishing himself in Nigeria's entertainment industry, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and gained experience through stage performances and appearances in British television productions and international films. He later became one of the most familiar faces in Nigeria's growing film and television industry, known for portraying characters with authority, depth, and a strong command of dialogue. Jacobs' career covered the period when Nigerian theatre and television were developing rapidly and continued through the growth of the local film industry that became known as Nollywood.
Jacobs also appeared in international productions, including "The Dogs of War," "Pirates," and "Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend." He received several honours during his career, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in 2011, and the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards. His marriage to Joke Silva was also a prominent partnership in Nigeria's entertainment industry, and the two worked together on several creative projects.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, were involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which contributed to the training and development of young talents in theatre and the wider performing arts. Jacobs' legacy extends beyond his own performances, as he helped shape the Nigerian entertainment industry and inspired generations of actors and filmmakers. His contributions to the industry will be remembered for years to come.
The outpouring of tributes and condolences from the entertainment industry and beyond is a testament to Jacobs' enduring impact and popularity. His family has appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the mourning period, but the public has been able to pay tribute to a man who was widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most recognisable and beloved actors. Jacobs' legacy will continue to be celebrated through his body of work and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
Key points
- Olu Jacobs was laid to rest in Lagos on October 2, 2026, after a decades-long career in theatre, television, and film.
- Jacobs received several honours during his career, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.
- Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, were involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which contributed to the training and development of young talents in theatre and the wider performing arts.
