Olu Jacobs Laid to Rest in Lagos as Family, Colleagues Celebrate His Legacy

Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has been laid to rest in Lagos at the age of 84.

The celebrated actor was buried following a funeral service held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at This Present House Church in Lekki, Lagos.

Family members, friends, colleagues and notable figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered to honour the late actor and celebrate his decades-long contribution to theatre, television and film.

The ceremony featured emotional tributes and performances in honour of Jacobs, who was widely regarded as one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s acting industry.

Singer and entertainment entrepreneur Darey Art Alade paid tribute to the late actor by performing his hit song, “Pray For Me,” which featured Olu Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.

Jacobs’ son, Olugbenga Jacobs, also presented his father’s biography during the funeral service, as mourners reflected on his remarkable journey, professional achievements and influence on generations of actors and entertainers.

The funeral came two days after a Night of Tributes held at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island.

The event attracted actors, filmmakers, theatre practitioners and other members of the entertainment community who gathered to celebrate Jacobs’ long and distinguished career.

Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His family announced his death, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirming the development in a statement shared on Instagram.

The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, while appealing to members of the public, bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the period of mourning.

Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and developed an interest in acting at a young age.

He later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

He went on to build a successful career in theatre, British television and international film before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in the country’s growing entertainment industry.

Known for his commanding voice and ability to portray authoritative and complex characters, Jacobs became a familiar face to generations of Nigerian television and cinema audiences.

His career included appearances in international productions such as The Dogs of War, Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, as well as several British television productions.

Beyond acting, Jacobs and Joke Silva were involved in the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where they contributed to the training and development of young talents in theatre and the performing arts.

Jacobs received several honours during his career. In 2011, he was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s film industry. He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

His marriage to Joke Silva was one of the notable partnerships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The couple met through theatre and later worked together on several creative projects.

With his burial in Lagos, family, friends and colleagues have brought to a close the final chapter of the life of an actor whose career spanned decades and whose work extended across Nigerian and international entertainment.

Olu Jacobs is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, his children and grandchildren.

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