Olu Jacobs Laid to Rest as Nollywood Pays Final Tribute to Legendary Actor

Olu Jacobs Nollywood legend funeral 2026

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Nollywood has said its final farewell to legendary actor Olu Jacobs, whose funeral brought together family members, friends, colleagues and some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainment personalities in Lagos.

Jacobs was laid to rest on Friday, October 2, following a funeral service at This Present House in Lekki. He died on September 16, 2026, aged 84.

The veteran actor, widely known as the “Lion of Lufodo”, enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades and became one of the most respected figures in African theatre, television and film.

Emotional farewell for Nollywood icon

The funeral was marked by tributes celebrating Jacobs’ contribution to Nigerian entertainment.

His wife, actress Joke Silva, and their children joined mourners as the family paid tribute to a man whose career helped shape generations of Nigerian actors.

Guests were encouraged to wear shades of green during the funeral proceedings, creating a visual tribute to the late actor.

According to reports from the ceremony, the atmosphere combined grief with celebration as colleagues reflected on Jacobs’ professional achievements and personal legacy.

A career that shaped African cinema

Olu Jacobs was part of a generation of Nigerian performers who helped establish professional African theatre and subsequently became central figures in the development of Nollywood.

Over decades, he appeared in numerous stage productions, television programmes and films, earning recognition both in Nigeria and internationally.

His career also extended beyond acting, with Jacobs becoming an influential figure within Nigeria’s creative sector.

For many younger performers, his work represented a bridge between traditional theatre and the modern Nigerian film industry.

Nollywood remembers a giant

The funeral comes after days of tributes from actors and entertainment personalities across Nigeria and beyond.

A Night of Tributes was previously held in Lagos, giving colleagues and friends an opportunity to celebrate Jacobs before his burial.

Patience Ozokwor, another veteran Nollywood actress, also expressed sadness after being unable to attend the funeral because of contractual obligations.

Jacobs’ death marks the loss of one of the industry’s most recognisable performers, but his extensive body of work ensures that his influence will remain visible in African entertainment.

His legacy now extends beyond the films and stage productions in which he appeared, with generations of performers having been influenced by the standards established by actors of his era.