Nollywood Bids Farewell as Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Is Buried in Lagos
Nollywood has bid farewell to veteran actor Olu Jacobs, who was buried in Lagos on Friday, October 2, 2026, following a funeral service attended by family, colleagues, dignitaries and friends.
The funeral service was held at This Present House Church on Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, before the remains of the 84-year-old actor were taken to a private cemetery for burial.
Among the dignitaries who attended were Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Lagos State First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
Several Nollywood personalities were also present to honour the late actor, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Hilda Dokubo, Shaffy Bello, Ireti Doyle, Segun Arinze, Ruth Kadiri, Ebele Okaro and Stan Nze.
Singer Dare Art Alade also performed during the ceremony, rendering his song “Pray For Me,” which features Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
Jacobs’ son, Olugbenga Jacobs, presented his father’s biography during the funeral as guests reflected on the actor’s life, career and contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The burial followed a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held on Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island, where colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate his legacy.
Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
His career spanned theatre, television and film, beginning with his work in British theatre and television before he returned to Nigeria in 1990.
He subsequently became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actors, appearing in numerous productions and earning a reputation for his commanding performances across several decades.
His achievements included a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Africa International Film Festival, an Icon Award from the Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria in 2022 and the Industry Merit Award at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Jacobs and Joke Silva were also associated with the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, through which they contributed to the development and training of talents in Nigeria’s creative sector.
With his burial concluded, colleagues, admirers and members of the entertainment industry have formally said goodbye to an actor whose career remained an important part of Nigeria’s theatre, television and film history.
