Olu Jacobs buried in Lagos

The remains of veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs have been buried in Lagos State. His funeral service was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and notable figures.

Jacobs died at the age of 84 on 16 September. He was laid to rest after a funeral ceremony held in Lekki, Lagos.

A day before, members of the entertainment industry and other well-wishers gathered for a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs in his honor.

Prominent attendees at the funeral included Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Hamzat. Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and former Ekiti State First Lady Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi were also present.

Jacobs’ widow, actress Joke Silva, attended the ceremony with their sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs. The family wore matching blue attire.

Mr Hamzat expressed his condolences and called Jacobs an icon of the entertainment industry. He shared this in a statement on his X page.

"I joined family, friends and loved ones at This Present House on Freedom Way to say a final farewell to a true icon of the entertainment industry, Uncle Olu Jacobs. We gathered to honour his life and the memories he leaves behind.

"My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and loved ones as they mourn this great loss. May God grant him eternal rest and give his family the strength to carry on."

Nigerian singer-songwriter Dare Art Alade performed his hit song “Pray for Me” during the funeral service. Actors present included Shaffy Bello, Keppy Ekpeyong, Stan Nze, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Ireti Doyle, Lala Akindoju, Kate Henshaw, OC Ukeje, Patrick Doyle, and Stephanie Okereke, among others.

Jacobs, known as the “Lion of Lufodo,” had a career that lasted over fifty years in theatre, television, and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before starting his career in British theatre and television. He later came back to Nigeria, where he became one of the most respected and recognized figures in the film industry.

Jacobs featured in many British theatre and television productions, as well as international films, before gaining fame in Nollywood.

Upon his return to Nigeria, he played a big role in growing the Nigerian film industry. He was well-known for portraying authoritative characters, such as traditional rulers, chiefs, and family heads.

In 1989, Jacobs married actress Silva. They founded the Lufodo Group together and later set up the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.