30th September, 2026 | News

Olu Jacobs: Nollywood Stars Gather in Lagos to Celebrate Veteran Actor

Nollywood stars, theatre veterans and dignitaries gathered in Lagos as the final burial rites for legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs began with emotional tributes, performances and personal memories of his remarkable career.

The evening ceremony, held in honour of the late stage, television and film icon, featured solemn hymns, musical performances and heartfelt recollections from colleagues who worked with him across several decades.

Olu Jacobs’ death was announced by his family on September 16, 2026.

Among those present at the gathering were veteran actors and industry figures including Joke Silva, Sola Sobowale, Ahmed Yerima, Norbert Young, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Desmond Elliot.

The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was also among the dignitaries who attended the event.

Olu Jacobs’ Family Remembers the Man Behind the Legend

At the centre of the ceremony was Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, who appeared in grey lace alongside their sons, Gbenga and Soji, who wore traditional white agbada.

Opening the tributes, Soji Jacobs offered a personal account of growing up with one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors.

He said that despite his father’s enormous reputation in the entertainment industry, Olu Jacobs remained simply “Dad” 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,” Soji said.

He also recalled how his father deliberately protected the family’s privacy despite his popularity.

According to Soji, Olu Jacobs maintained a clear separation between his public career and family life.

Norbert Young Recalls Olu Jacobs’ Mentorship

Veteran actor Norbert Young reflected on his years working with Olu Jacobs on the iconic 1980s television detective series Third Eye.

Young described Jacobs as a disciplined professional whose advice and experience helped shape his own career.

“He loved to talk back then, and I loved to listen,” Young recalled.

He said listening to Jacobs regularly during the production of Third Eye contributed significantly to his development as an actor.

Ahmed Yerima Shares Lighter Memory

Playwright and scholar Ahmed Yerima brought humour to the emotional gathering with a story about working with Jacobs.

Yerima recalled an occasion when Jacobs became so deeply immersed in a scene that he began crying, causing the playwright to momentarily forget his own lines.

“The only time I forgot the lines in my own play was when Uncle Olu and I were playing a scene, and he started crying,” Yerima said.

He added that Jacobs’ performance made the moment unforgettable.

Hilda Dokubo, Kate Henshaw Recall His Kindness

Actresses Hilda Dokubo and Kate Henshaw remembered Olu Jacobs not only for his acting ability but also for his caring nature toward colleagues and crew members.

Dokubo recalled being nervous when she first worked with Jacobs and Joke Silva.

She said Jacobs helped her overcome her nervousness by encouraging her to read with him.

Kate Henshaw, meanwhile, remembered Jacobs for his preparation and generosity during long days on film sets.

According to Henshaw, the veteran actor would often arrive with snacks and coffee for colleagues.

She also recalled an occasion on a remote set when Jacobs produced food from his leather bag after the crew appeared to be running short of provisions.

Sola Sobowale Recalls Jacobs’ Career-Boosting Praise

Veteran actress Sola Sobowale described Olu Jacobs as an important source of encouragement during her career.

Sobowale connected her longstanding friendship with Joke Silva to her early years in the industry and recalled a moment when Jacobs publicly praised her acting ability.

She said Jacobs once told others around him:

“Have you seen Sola Sobowale? She is a great actor.”

Sobowale said the recognition gave her confidence and remained a memorable moment in her career.

RMD Remembers Olu Jacobs’ Lesson About Acting

Actor Richard Mofe-Damijo also paid tribute to Jacobs, recalling the mentorship he received from the veteran actor.

RMD shared a lesson Jacobs once gave him after recounting an experience involving a forgotten line during a stage performance.

Jacobs’ message, according to Mofe-Damijo, was that every actor and every line mattered.

“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,” he recalled Jacobs telling him.

Mofe-Damijo said the lesson had remained with him throughout his career.

Yinka Davies Performs at Olu Jacobs’ Farewell

The evening also featured a musical tribute from singer Yinka Davies.

Davies performed a stripped-back, piano-assisted medley that received a warm response from those gathered.

The performance brought the evening of tributes to a reflective close as colleagues, family members and industry figures celebrated the life and career of a man fondly remembered as the “Lion of Lufodo.”

For many of the actors and theatre practitioners who paid tribute, Olu Jacobs was not only a celebrated performer but also a colleague, mentor and influential figure whose impact extended across Nigerian theatre, television and Nollywood.