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 funeral brought together several members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, who came to honour a man whose career spanned several decades across theatre, television and film.
Entertainment entrepreneur and singer Darey Art Alade was among those who paid tribute to Jacobs during the service. He performed his hit song, “Pray For Me,” which featured the late actor and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva.
Jacobs’ son, Olugbenga Jacobs, also presented his father’s biography during the funeral proceedings, as members of the audience reflected on the life and career of the celebrated actor.
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 contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his family, with his son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirming the development in a post shared on Instagram.
The family described Jacobs as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle while asking the public to respect their privacy as they mourned his death.
“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 statement identified the late actor by his full name, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, and gave his dates of birth and death as July 11, 1942, to September 16, 2026.
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy during the mourning period.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time,” the family said.
Jacobs’ death brought an end to the life of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable actors, whose career extended beyond Nollywood into British television, theatre and international film productions.
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 later built experience through stage performances and appearances in British television productions and international films before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most familiar faces in the country’s growing film and television industry.
Throughout his career, Jacobs became known for portraying characters with authority, depth and a strong command of dialogue. His distinctive voice and acting style made him a recognisable figure to generations of Nigerian television and cinema audiences.
His career covered the period when Nigerian theatre and television were developing rapidly and continued through the growth of the local film industry that became known as Nollywood.
Jacobs also appeared in international productions, with film credits including “The Dogs of War,” “Pirates” and “Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.” He also featured in several British television productions before establishing himself as one of the leading figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Beyond acting, Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva, were involved in the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Their work through the institution contributed to the training and development of young talents in theatre and the wider 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, in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
He also received the Industry Merit Award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
His marriage to Joke Silva was also one of the prominent partnerships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The two met through theatre, later married and worked together on several creative projects.
Silva remained closely involved in Jacobs’ life, particularly during his later years as he faced health challenges.
