Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has been laid to rest in Lagos.
Jacobs’ funeral service was held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at This Present House Church in Lekki, Lagos.
The service attracted actors, filmmakers, entertainers and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, who gathered to honour the veteran actor whose career spanned theatre, television and film.
Entertainment entrepreneur and singer Darey Art Alade paid tribute to Jacobs during the service. He performed his hit song, “Pray For Me,” which featured Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
Jacobs’ son, Olugbenga Jacobs, also presented his father’s biography during the funeral.
The burial came two days after a Night of Tributes held on Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island. The event brought together Nollywood actors, filmmakers and other well-wishers to celebrate Jacobs’ life and career.
Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His family announced his death, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirming it in a post on Instagram.
The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle and asked the public to respect their privacy.
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” the family said.
The family identified him as Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs and gave his dates of birth and death as July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time,” the family said.
Olu Jacobs’ acting career
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs developed an interest in acting at a young age before travelling to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
He built his career through stage performances and appearances in British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria.
Jacobs later became one of the most recognisable actors in Nigeria’s film and television industry.
Known for his commanding voice and ability to portray authoritative characters, he became a familiar face to generations of Nigerian audiences.
His career also included international productions such as “The Dogs of War,” “Pirates” and “Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.”
Beyond acting, Jacobs and Joke Silva were involved in the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where they contributed to the training and development of young talents in theatre and the performing arts.
Jacobs received several honours during his career.
In 2011, he was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, for his contribution to Nigeria’s film industry.
He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Jacobs and Silva met through theatre and later married. They worked together on several creative projects and remained prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Silva remained closely involved in Jacobs’ life, particularly during his later years.
Jacobs’ death marked the end of a career that spanned decades and included major contributions to Nigerian theatre, television and film.
