Veteran Nollywood actor and theatre icon Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has been laid to rest in Lagos, bringing to a close the funeral ceremonies held in honour of one of Nigeria’s most respected actors.
Jacobs, who died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, was buried on Friday following a funeral service at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase I, Lagos. The ceremony brought together members of his family, friends, colleagues and prominent personalities who gathered to pay their final respects.
Among those present were Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and other dignitaries. Several leading figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry also attended the service to honour the late actor’s life and career.
A Career That Spanned More Than Five Decades
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career across theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and worked in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the defining figures of the Nigerian film industry.
Known for his commanding presence and memorable portrayals of chiefs, traditional rulers, fathers and other authoritative characters, Jacobs became a familiar and influential face in Nollywood.
His career also extended beyond acting. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s creative industry and the training of emerging performers.
Emotional Farewell
The funeral service featured prayers, tributes and reflections on Jacobs’ contribution to the arts. His son Olugbenga Jacobs presented his father’s biography during the proceedings, while singer and entertainment entrepreneur Dare Art Alade performed Pray for Me, a song associated with Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva.
Jacobs’ burial followed a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held on September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island. The event brought together colleagues, friends and admirers who shared memories of the veteran actor and reflected on his decades-long contribution to Nigerian entertainment.
Remembering “The Lion of Lufodo”
Jacobs was widely celebrated for a career that crossed generations and borders. His work in British productions, Nigerian theatre and Nollywood established him as a major figure in African performing arts.
His family announced his death on September 16, describing him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and appealing to the public and media to respect the family’s privacy during their period of mourning.
With his burial now complete, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has formally said farewell to a performer whose career spanned more than five decades and whose work left a lasting mark on theatre, television and film.
Olu Jacobs was 84.
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