Nollywood stars, family members, colleagues and admirers gathered at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos on Wednesday night for the Olu Jacobs Night of Tributes, celebrating the life and legacy of the veteran actor who died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
The tribute event, held at the historic venue on Marina Road, Lagos Island, was the first major public ceremony in the funeral programme for Jacobs, who was described by his family as the “Lion of Lufodo.” Guests were asked to attend in shades of blue.
Key Highlights
- Nollywood stars gathered in Lagos for the Olu Jacobs Night of Tributes.
- The event held Wednesday, September 30, at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island.
- Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, aged 84.
- The late actor’s family described him as the “Lion of Lufodo.”
- The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 2, at This Present House, Lekki.
- Guests at the funeral service have been asked to wear shades of green.
- Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, built the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
- Colleagues and public figures have continued to honour his contribution to Nigerian theatre, television and film.
Nollywood Gathers for Olu Jacobs Night of Tributes
The Olu Jacobs Night of Tributes brought together members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry to remember a career that spanned more than five decades.
Actors, filmmakers, friends and admirers shared memories of the late performer and reflected on his contribution to theatre, television and Nigerian cinema.
The gathering followed an outpouring of tributes after Jacobs’ death was announced by his family on September 16. The family had appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
Olu Jacobs Remembered as Lion of Lufodo
Jacobs’ family referred to him as the “Lion of Lufodo” in the statement announcing his death.
The description reflected his connection with the Lufodo Group, which he co-founded with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
Beyond their work in film and theatre, the couple established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the training and development of performers in Nigeria.
Colleagues Pay Tribute to Olu Jacobs
The Night of Tributes followed several days of public tributes from actors and other figures in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Funke Akindele, Ini Edo, Mercy Johnson, Yul Edochie and Chiwetalu Agu were among those who have publicly remembered Jacobs and expressed condolences to his family.
Veteran actor Pete Edochie also paid tribute to Jacobs, describing him as a brother and colleague who remained strong during his final years. Edochie also praised Joke Silva for her care and support for her husband.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other public figures have also described Jacobs as an important figure in Nigeria’s cultural and creative history.
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Olu Jacobs’ Career Spanned Theatre, Television and Film
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs developed an interest in drama before travelling to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
His professional career included work in British television and theatre before he returned to Nigeria and became one of the country’s most recognised actors.
His career spanned stage, television and film, while his performances helped establish him as a prominent figure across several generations of Nigerian audiences.
Jacobs received several honours during his career, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic and an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Joke Silva Invites Tinubu to Olu Jacobs Funeral
Jacobs’ widow, Joke Silva, has invited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend the funeral ceremonies.
In a letter dated September 23, Silva thanked the President for his condolence message following Jacobs’ death and for recognising the actor’s contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry.
The invitation covers the funeral ceremonies scheduled to take place in Lagos.
Olu Jacobs Funeral Holds October 2
The Night of Tributes is the first major event in the funeral programme, with the main funeral service scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026.
The service will begin at 10 a.m. at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Guests have been asked to wear shades of green.
The funeral service will be followed by a private burial, according to the arrangements announced by the family.
Nollywood Celebrates Olu Jacobs’ Legacy
The Olu Jacobs Night of Tributes has provided colleagues, friends and admirers with an opportunity to celebrate the actor’s life before his final farewell.
From his early work on British stages and television to his decades in Nigerian theatre and film, Jacobs built a career that connected generations of performers and audiences.
As the entertainment industry prepares for Friday’s funeral service, tributes continue to focus on his professionalism, stagecraft and lasting contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry.
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