Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Olu Jacobs has been laid to rest in Lagos, following a funeral service attended by his family, friends, colleagues, industry figures and dignitaries.
The celebrated actor, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR), was buried on Friday, October 2, 2026, after a funeral service at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. His private interment followed the service.
He died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His family announced his passing in a statement that described him as the “Lion of Lufodo” and reflected on his life as one “well lived and fought.”
The funeral service brought together members of Olu Jacobs’ family, including his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs.
One of the emotional moments of the ceremony came when singer and entertainment entrepreneur Dare Art Alade performed his song “Pray for Me,” which featured the late actor alongside Joke Silva.
Olu Jacobs’ son, Olugbenga, also presented his father’s biography during the proceedings as attendees reflected on the actor’s extraordinary career and contribution to the performing arts.
Among the dignitaries who attended were Lagos State First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife Oluremi Hamzat, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa was also reported among those present during the farewell events.
The funeral came two days after a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held on September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos Island. The gathering brought together numerous Nollywood figures who shared memories and tributes celebrating Jacobs’ life, mentorship and decades of work in the industry.
Among those associated with the tribute events were Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Funke Akindele, Jide Kosoko, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Segun Arinze, Rita Dominic, Keppy Ekpenyong, Norbert Young and several other figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film, working in both Britain and Nigeria. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable and respected actors.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Joke Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to film production, distribution and the training of young talents in the performing arts. He was also honoured with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
With his burial now concluded, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has said its final public farewell to an actor whose career helped connect generations of Nigerian theatre, television and cinema.
Olu Jacobs leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the screen, through his performances, mentorship, institutions and influence on the Nigerian performing arts. May he continue to Rest in Peace.
