By TheDailyNewsHub News Desk | October 2, 2026
Veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has been laid to rest in Lagos following a funeral service attended by members of his family, prominent figures in the entertainment industry and other dignitaries, bringing to a close the ceremonies held in his honour after his death at the age of 84.
The funeral service took place on Friday, October 2, at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. His remains were taken to a burial site after the service for a private interment, in line with the family’s announced arrangements.
Among those present were Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Their attendance reflected the recognition Jacobs received beyond the film industry for his contribution to Nigeria’s arts and cultural landscape.
Several Nollywood personalities also attended the ceremony to pay their final respects. They included actresses Kate Henshaw and Stan Nze, as well as filmmaker Ernest Obi.
Singer and entertainment entrepreneur Dare Art Alade performed his song “Pray for Me” during the service. The song featured Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, making the performance a personal tribute to the late actor and his family.
Another moment during the proceedings came when one of Jacobs’ sons, Olugbenga Jacobs, presented his father’s biography, offering an account of the life and career of the actor whose work spanned more than five decades.
The funeral followed a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held on Wednesday, September 30, at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island. The gathering brought together actors, filmmakers, family members and other personalities who shared memories of Jacobs and reflected on his influence on Nigerian theatre, television and cinema.
The tribute event featured appearances by Richard Mofe-Damijo, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Sola Sobowale, Norbert Young, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Funke Akindele, Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot, Segun Arinze and other entertainment figures. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa was also among those who attended.
During the gathering, Jacobs’ son Olusoji spoke about his father’s role within the family, while colleagues recalled his professionalism, generosity and willingness to guide younger performers. The event also featured musical performances, Bible readings and a candlelight procession.
TheDailyNewsHub 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 he had on their careers.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His son, Olusoji, announced his death in a statement issued on behalf of the family, describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and using the name “The Lion of Lufodo” to honour his legacy.
The family’s announcement prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers, public officials and audiences in Nigeria and beyond. TheDailyNewsHub’s report on the death of Olu Jacobs at 84 documented the family’s announcement and the actor’s contribution to the entertainment industry.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career that connected British theatre and television with the growth of Nigeria’s film industry. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and worked in British television and international productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable performers.
He was widely associated with authoritative roles, often portraying traditional rulers, chiefs and father figures. His performances across film, television and theatre earned him recognition among successive generations of Nigerian audiences.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Joke Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Their work extended into film production, distribution and the development of performing arts talent, adding an institutional dimension to their contribution to the creative sector.
Jacobs was also a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Friday’s funeral brought the formal farewell programme to an end, following the memorial gathering two days earlier. His death marks the loss of a performer whose career and work in the creative industry left a lasting presence in Nigerian entertainment.