Stars and Family Celebrate Olu Jacobs’ Life in Lagos

Nollywood stars, family, friends, and colleagues of the late actor Olu Jacobs came together in Lagos on Wednesday for a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs to honour him.

Jacobs, known as the “Lion of Lufodo,” passed away on 16 September at the age of 84.

The event started at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island. Many big names from the Nigerian entertainment scene attended. Some of them included Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, also known as Oga Bello, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Funke Akindele, Saka, Desmond Elliot, Ejike Asiegbu, Keppy Ekpenyong, Norbert Young, Arts Minister Hannatu Musawa, and others.

A candlelight procession took place as friends and colleagues celebrated Jacobs’ life, career, and impact on Nigerian theatre, television, and film.

Jacobs’ widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, was there along with their sons, Gbenga and Olusoji, known as Soji.

The evening included Bible readings, performances, and personal stories from those who worked with Jacobs throughout his career.

Soji Jacobs opened the tributes by sharing his memories of his father. He said that even though his father was famous, he was first a father to his family.

“I didn’t really watch his films back then. For me, he was simply dad. We were very close because he was magnetic and genuine in his movement,” he explained.

He mentioned that his father made sure to keep his public life separate from family life, always protecting their privacy.

Veteran actor Norbert Young shared his experience working with Jacobs on the TV series The Third Eye. He described him as a disciplined professional who gave valuable advice that helped shape his career.

“He loved to talk back then, and I loved to listen,” Young recalled, noting how Jacobs influenced his growth as an actor.

Playwright Ahmed Yerima also shared a funny moment with Jacobs, saying the actor's emotional performance made him forget his own lines.

Actresses Hilda Dokubo and Kate Henshaw spoke about Jacobs’ kindness and how he supported colleagues on set.

Dokubo remembered how Jacobs helped her calm her nerves during her first time working with him, while Henshaw noted his readiness and generosity in productions.

Sola Sobowale shared how Jacobs motivated her early in her career by publicly praising her acting skills.

According to Sobowale, Jacobs once said, “Have you seen Sola Sobowale? She is a great actor.”

Richard Mofe-Damijo, known as RMD, recalled a lesson Jacobs taught him about every actor's importance and every line in a production.

“There are no small actors, and there are no small lines. But if you are not mindful of the small lines, you will become a small actor,” RMD quoted Jacobs.

The tributes were mixed with performances, including a heartfelt song by singer Yinka Davies, as guests remembered Jacobs’ long career.

His career lasted over five decades in theatre, television, and film.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British theatre and television. He later returned to Nigeria, becoming a well-known figure in the film industry.

The Night of Tributes was the first major public event in the funeral plans announced by his family. It began at 4:00 p.m. at Glover Memorial Hall, with guests asked to wear shades of blue.

The funeral service is set for Friday, 2 October, at 10:00 a.m. at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The dress code is shades of green. A private burial will follow.