The Olu Jacobs’ funeral holds today, Friday, October 2, 2026, in Lagos, bringing family members, friends, colleagues and admirers together to honour the life and career of one of Nigeria’s most recognised veteran actors.
The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, according to the programme released by the late actor’s family. Guests attending the service have been asked to wear shades of green as the family concludes the public ceremonies for the celebrated actor.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, after spending more than five decades building a career across theatre, television and film. His family announced his death through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, and described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” while asking bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy during the mourning period.
The Olu Jacobs’ funeral follows a series of events designed to celebrate the actor’s contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry and give those who knew and worked with him an opportunity to honour his memory.
Olu Jacobs’ Funeral Follows Night of Tributes in Lagos
The funeral service comes two days after a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held at Glover Memorial Hall on Wednesday, September 30, in Lagos Island.
The event brought together several well-known figures from Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative sector, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Funke Akindele, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami and Desmond Elliot. Guests shared memories of Jacobs, reflected on his influence and paid tribute to a career that helped shape Nigerian theatre and film over several decades.
The family had selected shades of blue as the dress code for the Night of Tributes, while today’s funeral service carries a different dress code of shades of green. The two events form the main public stages of the farewell programme announced by the family.
Jacobs’ widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, also invited President Bola Tinubu to attend the funeral ceremonies in a letter dated September 23. In the letter, Silva thanked the President for his condolence message following Jacobs’ death and for recognising the actor’s contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry.
Veteran Actor Leaves Five-Decade Career Behind
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built an acting career that extended from Britain to Nigeria and eventually made him one of the most familiar faces in African entertainment.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British theatre and television. He also appeared in international productions before returning to Nigeria, where he became a major figure in the country’s developing film industry.
Throughout his career, Jacobs took on a wide range of roles and became particularly recognised for his commanding performances, distinctive voice and ability to portray authoritative characters. His work across stage, television and film helped establish him as one of the veteran performers whose careers connected earlier generations of Nigerian entertainment with the modern Nollywood industry.
His contribution also extended beyond acting. Jacobs and Joke Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, creating platforms that supported film production, distribution and performing arts education.
The actor received several honours during his career. In 2007, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He later received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. The Federal Government also conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic on him in 2011.
Family Prepares for Final Farewell
Today’s Olu Jacobs’ funeral marks an important stage in the farewell programme following his death, with those closest to him expected to gather alongside colleagues and admirers who followed his career for decades.
The family has indicated that a private burial will follow the funeral service, keeping the final stage of the farewell more closely within the family.
As the ceremonies conclude, attention will remain on the legacy Jacobs created during his long career. His work across theatre, television and film gave him a lasting place in Nigeria’s entertainment history, while his work with the Lufodo Group and performing arts academy extended his influence beyond the screen.
For Nollywood, the Olu Jacobs’ funeral represents the final public farewell to a veteran whose career stretched across generations and whose performances remained part of Nigeria’s evolving entertainment culture. Today’s ceremony will therefore bring together those who knew him personally, those who worked alongside him and admirers who encountered his work through the stage and screen.