Lessons from Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva's Lasting Marriage

In a time when celebrity marriages often make news for break-ups as much as for weddings, the long-lasting relationship between the late actor Olu Jacobs and his wife Joke Silva teaches young couples many lessons.

The couple spent decades together, building not just a marriage but also a partnership around their careers, family, and personal lives.

Jacobs and Silva’s love story started with friendship. They met in 1981 at the National Theatre while working on Wole Soyinka’s Jero’s Metamorphosis. Jacobs reportedly told people at the rehearsal that Silva was the woman he wanted to marry. Silva, however, was not impressed at first. She later said they became “very good friends” before tying the knot four years later, in 1985.

The couple often speaks warmly about their bond, showing that their relationship is more than just romance.

One key lesson is the importance of friendship. Before a couple can handle the challenges of marriage, they need to enjoy each other’s company. For young couples, this means creating a space where they can talk, laugh, share experiences, and support one another without turning every disagreement into a fight.

Another important lesson is mutual respect. Both Jacobs and Silva became successful actors on their own. Instead of letting their careers cause jealousy, they built their careers while keeping their relationship strong.

Silva kept her professional name even after marriage. In a 2025 interview, she explained that Jacobs advised her not to change it because he recognized the importance of her brand. Jacobs had also pointed out that she was already known as Joke Silva when they met, and marriage should not take that away.

Perhaps, the biggest lesson for young couples is that marriage is more than just the excitement of the wedding day. It is about the many ordinary days that follow: choosing each other, making sacrifices, offering support, and continuing to build friendship.

In a 2018 interview, Silva shared that there were times she almost ended the marriage. She recalled one time after their first child was born when Jacobs returned from a film set still affected by his character and shouted during a conversation. Silva said she packed her clothes and the baby and put them in her car.

She admitted their marriage was not perfect. In a 2014 interview, Silva said they could argue “10 times a day,” but earlier in their marriage, disagreements could lead to long sulking. Later, she noted they could fight and then laugh and talk again shortly after.

Their marriage also shows the need for patience. In later years, Silva became known for caring for Jacobs as he faced serious illness. A 2021 profile showed the couple at home discussing his health condition.

In a 2023 interview, Silva reflected on their marriage, saying she would marry Jacobs again “in a heartbeat.” She acknowledged they faced “incredible” challenges and said faith was crucial in helping them through.

Another lesson from the couple is the importance of growing together. Silva and Jacobs worked in the same industry and became business partners. Their partnership was more than romantic. They co-founded Lufodo Group, which is involved in production and distribution, as well as the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Lufodo refers to Silva as co-founder and Co-CEO, noting that she and Jacobs established the group in 1986.