The Nigerian film industry came together in Lagos on Wednesday to celebrate the life and career of late veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs.
The Night of Tributes and Service of Songs, held at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island, brought together actors, filmmakers, friends and colleagues who gathered to remember the acclaimed thespian ahead of his funeral.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, aged 84. His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced his death.
The gathering featured several prominent names from Nollywood, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Shaffy Bello, Juliet Ibrahim, Desmond Elliot, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Femi Adebayo, Kate Henshaw, IK Ogbonna and Emeka Ike.
The event offered colleagues and admirers an opportunity to reflect on Jacobs’ decades-long contribution to theatre, television and film.
Jacobs built a career across stage, television and cinema, working in Britain before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the prominent figures in the country’s film industry. He also trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Beyond his acting career, Jacobs was recognised for his contribution to the creative industry. The Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in 2011.
His family, including his widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their sons, also attended the tribute ceremony. Personal recollections formed part of the evening as those closest to the actor remembered him beyond his public identity as a celebrated screen star.
The Night of Tributes comes ahead of Jacobs’ funeral service scheduled for Friday, October 2, at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The funeral will bring the formal farewell ceremonies for the actor to a close, following an evening dedicated to remembering his life, work and influence on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
