From Allafrica · · 2m
Nigeria: Olu Jacobs' Legacy Ends
Lagos honored Olu Jacobs, Nollywood's founder, with a final tribute as he died at 84.
In brief
Lagos honored Olu Jacobs, Nollywood's founder, with a final tribute as he died at 84. Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs died at 84, leaving a legacy of film, mentorship, and cultural impact. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Lagos Stood Still
Lagos halted on Friday, October 2nd, 2026, for Olu Jacobs' final tribute.
“It was not just a funeral; it was a final ovation as the city of Lagos stood still on Friday, October 2nd, when This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki, opened its doors for the last act of a man who gave Nollywood its soul.”
Olu Jacobs' Final Bow
Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, MFR, died at 84 on September 16th, 2026, after a life of grace and greatness.
“Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, the boy from Kano who conquered the West End, Hollywood, and then came home to build an industry, had taken his final bow on September 16th.”
Family in Royal Blue
His widow, Joke Silva, and sons Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs, along with grandson Oludayo, wore royal blue.
“The blue theme said it all - royalty. His widow, the iconic actress Joke Silva, sat flanked by their sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs, and grandson Oludayo, all in shades of royal blue.”
Two-Day Farewell
A night of tributes on Wednesday and Friday's church service honored Olu Jacobs' legacy.
“This was the final act of a two-day farewell. On Wednesday, September 30th, the industry had gathered for a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs - actors, directors, producers weeping, laughing, mimicking his iconic baritone.”
Government Dignitaries
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and former First Lady Dame Abimbola Fashola attended.
“In attendance were Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Hamzat; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; former First Lady of Lagos, Dame Abimbola Fashola; former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi; Hon. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and other government dignitaries.”
Nollywood Stars
Shaffy Bello, Kate Henshaw, Ireti Doyle, Patrick Doyle, Keppy Ekpeyong, and dozens more attended.
“And then Nollywood came in full force - Shaffy Bello, Kate Henshaw, Ireti Doyle, Patrick Doyle, Keppy Ekpeyong, Stan Nze, OC Ukeje, Lala Akindoju, Stephanie Okereke Linus, Ernest Obi, Morayo Afolabi-Brown and dozens more.”
Soul Singer's Performance
Soul singer Darey Art Alade performed 'Pray For Me,' moving the audience with tears.
“When soul singer Darey Art Alade stepped forward to perform his classic 'Pray For Me,' there was hardly a dry eye in the hall.”
Lagos Deputy Governor's Tribute
Lagos Deputy Governor Hamzat called Olu Jacobs 'an icon of the entertainment industry.'
“Lagos Deputy Governor Hamzat described him simply as 'an icon of the entertainment industry.'”
Pastor Tony Rapu's Sermon
Pastor Tony Rapu delivered a sermon on legacy, death, and living in the hearts of loved ones.
“Uncle Olu Is Free - Pastor Tony Rapu”
The Sermon's Message
Pastor Rapu said death is not the end, and memories last forever.
“To live in the hearts of those you love is never to die. The memory of the righteous is a source of blessing. Death takes many things, but memories last forever.”
A Son's Thanks
Olusoji Jacobs thanked the family, government, and organizers for honoring his father.
“Good morning, once again, your excellencies. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Jacobs family, thank you for being here this morning to honor the life of our father”
The Boy From Kano
Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs was born in Kano, Nigeria, on July 11, 1942.
“Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942 in Kano, of Oke-Itoku heritage from Abeokuta, Ogun State.”
Early Passion for Acting
He developed a passion for performance through school drama and church programs.
“He grew up in Kano, where his early fascination with performance developed through school drama, debating societies and church programmes.”
The Defining Moment
Watching Chief Hubert Ogunde perform inspired him to become an actor.
“The defining moment came when he watched legendary theatre practitioner, Chief Hubert Ogunde, perform. That night, the boy knew he would be an actor.”
Studies in London
He studied marketing in the UK but pursued acting at RADA.
“He travelled to the United Kingdom ostensibly to study marketing - and he excelled at it. But his spirit refused a single path. While studying marketing, he pursued his passion for the stage, gaining admission to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, RADA, London.”
Career in Britain
He performed in London theaters and TV shows, including The Professionals.
“He worked extensively in theatre at the Royal Court Theatre and the National Theatre of Great Britain. He performed Tom Stoppard's Night and Day alongside Diana Rigg and John Thaw for 18 months every single day except Mondays in the West End.”
Return to Nigeria
He returned to Nigeria and worked with Wole Soyinka and Ahmed Yerima.
“When Olu returned to Nigeria, he did not return quietly. He stepped into Wole Soyinka's world, from Jero's Metamorphosis to Second Chance, and then The Third Eye, where he immortalised Inspector Dafe.”
Loss of Daughter
Olu lost his 10-year-old daughter Dayo during the production of Ahmed Yerima's The Trials of Oba Ovonramwen.
“During the production, Olu and Joke lost their beloved 10-year-old daughter, Dayo.”
The Bridge Generation
Olu Jacobs connected traditional Nigerian theater to Nollywood.
“Olu Jacobs belonged to the bridge generation - the generation that connected Nigeria's traditional theatre to television and to Nollywood.”
Mentorship and Legacy
He mentored actors through LAPA and built The Lufodo Group.
“Beyond performance, he was a mentor. The Presidency would later describe him as 'a towering figure whose career across theatre, television and film inspired a generation.' And away from the lights, he shared a remarkable partnership with fellow distinguished actress Joke Silva. Together they built a family - sons Olusoji and Olugbenga, grandson Oludayo - and a shared vision: The Lufodo Group, with interests in film production and distribution, and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA), which has trained hundreds of performers.”
In short
Nollywood legend Olu Jacobs died at 84, leaving a legacy of film, mentorship, and cultural impact.
