By TheDailyNewsHub News Desk | October 1, 2026
Nollywood stars, filmmakers, family members and other prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered in Lagos on Wednesday, September 30, to celebrate the life and legacy of veteran actor Olu Jacobs at a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs.
The ceremony, held at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island, brought together colleagues from different generations of Nigerian theatre, television and film to remember the actor popularly known as the “Lion of Lufodo”.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a statement issued on behalf of the family. TheDailyNewsHub had earlier reported on the death of the veteran Nollywood actor and the family’s announcement.
Among those who attended the tribute ceremony were Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Sola Sobowale, Norbert Young, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Desmond Elliot, Funke Akindele, Saka, Ejike Asiegbu and Keppy Ekpenyong.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was also present.
Jacobs’ widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, attended with their sons, Gbenga and Olusoji. The family joined friends and colleagues in remembering the actor through personal reflections, musical performances, Bible readings and accounts of his influence on the entertainment industry.
One of the emotional moments came when Olusoji spoke about his relationship with his father, describing him first as a family man rather than the celebrated public figure audiences knew from the screen.
He recalled their closeness and said his father maintained a clear distinction between his professional life and family responsibilities, making a deliberate effort to protect the privacy of his wife and children.
Veteran actor Norbert Young reflected on his professional relationship with Jacobs, particularly their time working together on the television series The Third Eye. He recalled how Jacobs’ experience, discipline and willingness to share advice helped shape his development as an actor.
Playwright and scholar Ahmed Yerima brought a lighter moment to the gathering with an account of working alongside Jacobs in a stage production. He recalled that Jacobs’ emotional performance once caused him to forget his own lines.
Actress Hilda Dokubo remembered Jacobs as a supportive colleague who helped her overcome her nervousness when she first worked with him. Kate Henshaw also spoke about his thoughtfulness and generosity towards cast and crew members during film productions.
Sola Sobowale recounted how Jacobs encouraged her acting career by publicly acknowledging her talent in front of colleagues. She said the recognition gave her confidence at a time when she was still establishing herself in the industry.
RMD, meanwhile, recalled a lesson Jacobs taught him about the importance of every performer and every line in a production. He remembered the late actor’s advice that actors should never underestimate seemingly minor roles or dialogue.
The tributes were accompanied by musical performances, including a rendition by singer Yinka Davies, as attendees reflected on Jacobs’ decades-long contribution to Nigerian entertainment.
Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and worked in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures in the country’s film industry.
His performances and professional experience helped shape the development of Nigerian acting, while his work with fellow performers and younger talents earned him recognition beyond his film roles.
Together with Joke Silva, Jacobs was also associated with the Lufodo Group, with interests in film production, distribution and performing arts education. Their involvement in the creative sector extended beyond acting to supporting the development of talent.
His death prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers, political leaders and audiences, with many recalling his professionalism, mentorship and contribution to the growth of Nigerian theatre and cinema.
The Night of Tributes was the first major public event in the funeral programme announced by the family. The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. A private burial is expected to follow.
As the industry prepares to gather once more for the funeral, the tributes in Lagos have offered colleagues and admirers an opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of an actor whose career helped shape generations of Nigerian performers.
[…] had earlier reported on the tributes paid by Nollywood stars at the Lagos memorial ceremony, where colleagues recounted personal experiences of working with the late actor and the influence […]