Olu Jacobs Night of Tributes
Nollywood came out in large numbers on Wednesday evening to celebrate the life of screen legend Olu Jacobs, as actors, filmmakers and government officials gathered at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island for a moving Night of Tributes ahead of his funeral on Friday.
The veteran actor, widely known as the “Lion of Lufodo”, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
Watch: Olu Jacobs Night of Tributes
Watch SaharaTV’s coverage of the Night of Tributes for Olu Jacobs below:
A Room Full of Nollywood Royalty
The event, held on September 30 from 4pm, brought together several generations of Nigerian entertainers. Guests followed the evening’s dress code of shades of blue.
Among those present were Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Funke Akindele, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Sola Sobowale, Kate Henshaw and Desmond Elliot.
The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, also attended, underlining how deeply the actor’s work touched the nation.
Joke Silva and Family in Attendance
Olu Jacobs’ widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, was at the gathering with the couple’s sons, Gbenga and Olusoji (Soji).
Joke Silva and Soji Jacobs were the ones who confirmed the actor’s death to the public earlier in September.
Heartfelt Words for a Legend
Tributes poured in throughout the night, with colleagues remembering Olu Jacobs both as a towering talent and a generous mentor.
RMD recalled a piece of advice the late actor shared with him: “There are no small actors, and there are no small lines.” He also credited Jacobs’ decision to return home to Nigeria with opening doors for many who came after him.
Funke Akindele described him as a true legend and a kind, gracious man who was always ready to support and lift up young talent.
Jide Kosoko called him “an institution and a patriot”, pointing to the commanding presence he carried both on and off screen.
A Son’s Tribute
Soji Jacobs spoke about his father as “magnetic and genuine”. He noted that the actor kept a clear line between his public image and his private family life.
Who Was Olu Jacobs?
Olu Jacobs trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He built an early career in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria.
Back home, he became one of the founding pillars of Nigeria’s modern film and stage industry. His career stretched across more than five decades, and his deep voice and dignified screen presence made him one of Africa’s most respected actors.
His marriage to Joke Silva was also one of Nollywood’s most admired partnerships, with the couple often celebrated as a model of love and loyalty in the industry.
Funeral Service Set for Friday
The Night of Tributes is the first of two main events in the burial programme, which was shared earlier by actress Gloria Young.
The funeral service will hold on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10am at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Guests have been asked to wear shades of green. A private burial will follow.
Quick Facts
- Who: Olu Jacobs, veteran Nigerian actor, aged 84
- Died: September 16, 2026
- Night of Tributes: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island
- Funeral service: Friday, October 2, 2026, 10am, This Present House, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
- Dress codes: Shades of blue (tribute night), shades of green (funeral)
- Burial: Private
- Nickname: “Lion of Lufodo”
A Fitting Send-Off
From young stars to fellow veterans, Wednesday’s gathering showed just how much Olu Jacobs meant to Nollywood. As the industry prepares for Friday’s funeral, one message stood out all night: his work, his discipline and his kindness will live on through the many actors he inspired.
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