It was a sea of green, blue, tears and tributes yesterday in Lekki, Lagos, as family, friends and colleagues gathered to bid a final farewell to Nollywood icon, Olu Jacobs.
The veteran actor, fondly called “The Lion of Lufodo,” who died on September 16, 2026, at 84 after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest after an emotional funeral service at This Present House, Lekki, Lagos.
The ceremony drew a roll call of dignitaries and stars including Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, former Ogun Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw, Sola Sobowale, Hilda Dokubo, Ruth Kadiri, Segun Arinze, and Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), among others.
His widow, Joke Silva, children Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs, daughter-in-law and grandchild, clad in matching blue outfits, walked solemnly behind the pallbearers in a heart-wrenching moment inside the church auditorium.
Outside, colleagues shared fond memories, while inside, Dare Art Alade lifted the mood with a soulful rendition of his hit “Pray For Me,” with Joke Silva and guests singing along.
A major highlight was the presentation of Jacobs’ biography by his son, Olugbenga, which left many in tears. The remains were later taken to a private cemetery for interment, closing the final rites that began with a night of tributes at Glover Memorial Hall on Wednesday.
At the event, many described the actor as one of Nollywood’s most dependable character actors, whose performances brought humour and authenticity to hundreds of films and television productions. His death marks the end of an era for one of Nollywood’s most respected actors, whose work earned him admiration across generations.
In her tribute, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described the late actor as “an icon of theatre and arts who had the ability to reshape a generation of storytelling craft.”
“I can tell that Olu Jacobs was more than an icon, he was a big brand and a movement. When we look back at the annals, the trajectory of what makes the country great, our Awolowos, our Nnamdi Azikwes, somewhere in the conversation, there is going to be Olu Jacobs because he was part of the greatness of not only Nigeria, but also in the global community,” she said.
Veteran actress Sola Sobowale recounted her long-standing friendship with Joke Silva, tracing back to an early industry circle that included Ayo Mogaji and Ngozi Nwosu, and shared how Jacobs’ early validation fuelled her confidence.
“Uncle Olu stood among us, looked at me, and said to the room, ‘Have you seen Sola Sobowale? She is a great actor.’ That moment changed everything for me,” Sobowale said.
Richard Mofe-Damijo expressed deep gratitude for Jacobs’ personal mentorship, recalling an unusual story Jacobs once shared about forgetting a line on stage to teach him a lifelong lesson about humility and focus.
Olu Jacobs, fondly called “The Lion of Lufodo”, died on September 16 at age 84 after a career spanning over five decades. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he left an indelible mark on stage and screen.
Nollywood actress and producer Diana Nyeche is back with another thought-provoking flick that is set to leave parents who force their wards into paths against their wishes in deep reflection.
