By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The casket of veteran Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs has arrived at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, where his funeral service is being held today, Friday, October 2, 2026.
Family members, colleagues and dignitaries have gathered to pay final respects to the celebrated actor, who died on September 16 at age 84. His widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their sons Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs, are present at the service. Guests are observing the family’s dress code – shades of green.
The funeral follows an emotional Night of Tributes held Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, Lagos Island. Nollywood stars including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Norbert Young, Adebayo Salami and Minister of Arts Hannatu Musawa shared memories of Jacobs’ five-decade career across theatre, television and film.
At the tribute, Sola Sobowale said: “When people see Sola Sobowale, they say she is a fantastic actor, but somebody trained me and Baba Olu Jacobs was that person.”Soji Jacobs recalled how his father fiercely protected their privacy despite fame.
Among dignitaries at today’s service are Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Born Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs on July 11, 1942, and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, Jacobs was known as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
He was honoured with MFR and Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.The service will be followed by a private burial.
