The Curtain Falls on a Legend: Nollywood Bids Olu Jacobs Final Farewell

Final preparations are underway in Lekki, Lagos, ahead of the funeral service of veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, who died on September 16 at the age of 84.

The funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. today, Friday, October 2, at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1.

Pictures from the venue show arrangements being put in place ahead of the gathering, as family members, colleagues and admirers prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors.

The funeral follows a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held on Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, where leading figures from Nollywood gathered to honour Jacobs.

Among those who attended were veteran actors Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Kate Henshaw, Funke Akindele, Desmond Elliot and others. Jacobs’ widow, actress Joke Silva, also attended alongside their sons, Gbenga and Olusoji.

The tribute evening featured performances, Bible readings, personal recollections and a candlelight procession celebrating Jacobs’ more than five decades in theatre, television and film.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, remembered his father as more than the celebrated actor known to millions of people, describing him as a close and genuine father who protected his family’s privacy.

A final farewell

Jacobs’ death brought an end to a career that stretched from British theatre and television to the development of Nigeria’s modern film industry.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London before working with institutions including the BBC and Royal Shakespeare Company. He later returned to Nigeria, where he became one of the most recognisable figures in Nollywood.

The actor, popularly remembered as the “Lion of Lufodo,” also co-founded the Lufodo Group with Joke Silva and contributed to the training of performers through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Today’s funeral service is expected to bring together family, friends, colleagues and admirers as the entertainment industry pays its final respects.

A private burial is expected to follow the funeral service.