Oct 3, 2026Oct 4, 2026

Olu Jacobs Laid to Rest in Lagos as Nollywood Pays Final Tribute

Posted By: Julian Daily Gist Editorial Team 0 Comment Entertainment News, Joke Silva, Lufodo, Nigerian actors, Nigerian entertainment, Nollywood, Nollywood news, Olu Jacobs, Olu Jacobs burial, Olu Jacobs funeral

Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has been laid to rest in Lagos, bringing to an end the funeral ceremonies held in honour of one of Nigeria’s most respected actors.

Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His funeral service was held on Friday, October 2, at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. A private burial followed the service.

Family and Dignitaries Gather to Honour Olu Jacobs

The funeral brought together members of Jacobs’ family, close friends, colleagues from the entertainment industry and prominent personalities who came to pay their final respects.

Among those present were Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and former Ekiti State First Lady Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi.

Jacobs’ widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs, were also present at the funeral service.

The gathering provided an opportunity for family members and colleagues to celebrate the life of an actor whose career influenced generations of Nigerian performers.

Dare Art Alade Performs at Funeral

One of the emotional moments of the funeral was a performance by singer and entertainment entrepreneur Dare Art Alade.

Dare performed “Pray for Me,” a song that featured Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva in its music video. The performance added a personal touch to the ceremony as guests reflected on Jacobs’ life and legacy.

Jacobs’ son, Olugbenga, also presented his father’s biography during the funeral proceedings.

Nollywood Celebrates a Legendary Career

Olu Jacobs was widely regarded as one of the major figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film.

His professional career spanned more than five decades. Before becoming a household name in Nollywood, Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and worked in British theatre and television.

He later returned to Nigeria and became one of the defining actors of the country’s film industry.

Jacobs was particularly known for his commanding performances as traditional rulers, chiefs, fathers and other authoritative characters. His distinctive voice and acting style made him one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian entertainment.

A Career Beyond Acting

Jacobs’ contribution to the creative industry went beyond his work in front of the camera.

He and Joke Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to film production, distribution and the training of young performers.

Throughout his career, Jacobs received several honours and awards, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

His influence extended across theatre, television and cinema, both in Nigeria and internationally.

Nollywood Stars Pay Tribute

The funeral followed a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held on September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos.

Several prominent Nollywood figures attended the tribute event, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Funke Akindele, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot and other actors and industry professionals.

The gathering gave colleagues an opportunity to share memories of Jacobs and reflect on his impact on Nigerian entertainment.

The Legacy of Olu Jacobs

Olu Jacobs leaves behind a legacy that stretches across generations.

For many Nigerians, he was more than an actor. His performances helped shape the way audiences experienced Nigerian stories on television and film, while his work in theatre and professional training contributed to the wider development of the creative industry.

His partnership with Joke Silva also became one of the notable relationships in Nigeria’s entertainment community.

As family, friends and colleagues bid him farewell, the memories of his performances and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry are expected to remain with audiences for years to come.

Final Farewell

The burial of Olu Jacobs marks the end of the formal funeral ceremonies for a man whose career lasted more than five decades.

Although the veteran actor is no longer with his family, friends and fans, his body of work remains an important part of Nigeria’s entertainment history.

Olu Jacobs may have taken his final bow, but his legacy on stage and screen will continue to live on.

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