The casket of veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs has arrived at This Present House on Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, for his main funeral service, as family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries gather to pay their final respects to the late screen icon.
The dark wooden casket was carried by pallbearers dressed in black into the venue, where a large memorial banner bearing the words “A Celebration of an Extraordinary Life” and a portrait of Jacobs was displayed. The funeral service is being held on Friday, October 2, with guests requested to wear shades of green.
Key Highlights
- Olu Jacobs’ casket arrives at This Present House in Lekki, Lagos.
- The veteran Nollywood actor is being honoured at his main funeral service.
- Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
- The funeral service is being held at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1.
- Guests were asked to wear shades of green for the funeral.
- A Night of Tributes was held on September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island.
- The ceremony is drawing family members, Nollywood colleagues and public figures.
Olu Jacobs’ Casket Arrives in Lagos
The arrival of Olu Jacobs’ casket marks the beginning of the final public farewell to one of Nigeria’s most recognised veteran actors.
Pallbearers dressed in black carried the casket into This Present House, where mourners gathered for the funeral service.
The memorial display at the venue features Jacobs’ portrait alongside the dates 1942–2026 and the message, “A Celebration of an Extraordinary Life.”
Family, Colleagues Gather to Honour Nollywood Icon
Family members, actors, filmmakers and other guests gathered in Lagos to honour Jacobs and reflect on his contribution to Nigerian entertainment.
The funeral follows a Night of Tributes held on September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island, where members of the Nigerian film industry gathered to celebrate his life and career.
Among the public figures reported at Friday’s funeral service are Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
Olu Jacobs Died at 84
Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, aged 84. His death was announced by his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their son, Olusoji Jacobs.
The family described him as the “Lion of Lufodo” and appealed to the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.
Jacobs’ death brought an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, political leaders and fans across Nigeria and beyond.
A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades 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 country’s film industry.
Jacobs became widely recognised for his commanding screen presence and roles that often portrayed traditional rulers, chiefs and father figures.
His contribution to the arts earned him several honours, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Alongside Joke Silva, he also co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to film production, distribution and performing arts education.
Final Farewell to Olu Jacobs
Friday’s funeral service brings together the formal public ceremonies honouring Olu Jacobs following his death.
The funeral follows the Night of Tributes and provides family, friends, colleagues and admirers an opportunity to pay their final respects to an actor whose career left a lasting mark on Nigerian theatre, television and film.
A private burial is expected to follow the funeral service, according to the previously announced funeral programme. For more updates, follow us on X.
