Pete Edochie Remembers Olu Jacobs, Praises Joke Silva for Her Care

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late colleague, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, known as Olu Jacobs. He called him a peaceful and funny man who "fought like a man and like a soldier" until he passed away.

Mr Edochie, 79, spoke about Jacobs, who died on 16 September 2026 at the age of 84. Jacobs had a career that lasted over fifty years in theatre, television, and film.

The family announced Jacobs’ death through his son, Olusoji Jacobs. He referred to his father as "The Lion of Lufodo" and asked the public to respect their privacy.

Mr Jacobs, who died on September 16 at the age of 84, will be honored at the Night of Tributes on Wednesday, September 30, at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island.

Tribute

In his tribute, Mr Edochie, another veteran in Nigerian theatre and film, thought about life and death. He spoke partly in Hausa, saying, "Something must kill a man," and emphasized that death comes according to God’s plan.

"Olú J, son of Kano," he said. "Nobody can do it except God. If God says that the amount of time allocated to you on earth has finished, you cannot do anything about it but leave."

Mr Edochie remembered Jacobs as a brother and colleague who stayed strong in his last years. "Olu, my brother, you fought like a man and like a soldier, I have always known you to be. Rest in peace, my brother," he said.

He also expressed sympathy for Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, recognizing the years she spent caring for her husband. "Joke, I commiserate with you for what you have endured over a period of six years," he said, describing Jacobs as "a humorous personality" and "a very peaceful colleague."

The mention of six years refers to the health issues Jacobs faced later in life. Mrs Silva talked about her husband’s health in 2021, and the family often denied false reports of his death before he finally passed in September 2026.

Friendship

Mr Edochie shared that Jacobs had a private side only a few people knew about, including him and Mrs Silva. "Olu created a life that was known perhaps to only himself, and Joke and I," he said.

Speaking directly to Mrs Silva, he added, "You did your best. And while we must mourn that he has gone, we should also be glad and celebrate his life."

Mr Jacobs and Silva got married in 1989 and later became business partners with the Lufodo Group. They also started the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, moving their work beyond acting into film production, distribution, and training.

84 years

Reflecting on Mr Jacobs’ life, Mr Edochie pointed out that he lived longer than the standard biblical lifespan of 70 years. "Of all our senior colleagues who have gone, Olu was the only person who got upbeat to 80 and beyond," he said.

"The Good Book allowed us 70 years, but Olu added 14 years on top of that. Unfortunately, the past six years were not what we projected or expected in any way."

Mr Jacobs was born on 11 July 1942 and died on 16 September 2026, aged 84. He was born in Kano to parents from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He later went to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

His career included working with the BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company, and other British and international organizations before he returned to Nigeria and became a key figure in the country’s acting scene.

Legacy

Mr Edochie also hoped that one of Jacobs’ children would follow in his footsteps. He said this could keep Jacobs’ memory alive in the acting world. "My warmest prayer is that one of Olu’s children takes to acting, so that whenever we look at him, we remember what Olu meant to all of us," he said.

Jacobs received many awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

In closing, Mr Edochie encouraged Mrs Silva and reflected on the hope of meeting again after death. "Joke, I want you to remember Olu’s words: your problems are firmly behind you. Take heart," he said.

Turning to his late friend, he added, "Olu, well, if it is true that people recognize one another after they are gone, there is a possibility that we would meet again."

Jacobs’ family has arranged a Night of Tributes for 30 September at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island, before his funeral service on 2 October at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

His death marked the end of a career that spanned British theatre and television, as well as Nigeria’s growing film industry. His partnership with Silva also included production, distribution, and training the next generation of actors.