By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Nollywood stars, theatre practitioners and other prominent figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered in Lagos to honour veteran actor Olu Jacobs as his final burial rites began.

The evening was marked by emotional tributes, music, theatre memories and personal stories celebrating the life and career of the legendary actor, who was fondly regarded by many colleagues as the “Lion of Lufodo.”

Jacobs’ death was announced by his family on September 16, 2026, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria and beyond.

At the gathering in Lagos, his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, was joined by their sons, Gbenga and Soji. Silva appeared in grey lace, while her sons wore traditional white agbada.

The event attracted several generations of Nigerian actors and theatre practitioners, including Sola Sobowale, Ahmed Yerima, Norbert Young, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokubo, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Desmond Elliot. Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa was also among the dignitaries present.

One of the early tributes came from Jacobs’ son, Soji, who reflected on what it was like growing up with one of Nigeria’s most recognised actors as a father.

He explained that despite his father’s fame and popularity, Jacobs made a deliberate effort to separate his professional life from his family life and protect his children’s privacy.

“I didn’t really watch his films back then. For me, he was simply Dad,” Soji said, recalling the close relationship they shared.

He described his father as a magnetic and genuine person, adding that Jacobs remained deeply committed to his family despite the demands of his career.

Colleagues who worked with Jacobs over several decades also took turns remembering his influence on Nigerian theatre, television and film.

Actor Norbert Young recalled their time together on the popular 1980s detective series Third Eye. According to Young, Jacobs’ professionalism and willingness to share his knowledge had a lasting impact on his own career.

Young said he often listened to Jacobs during the production and learned valuable lessons from his colleague and mentor.

Playwright and scholar Ahmed Yerima brought a lighter moment to the emotional gathering with an amusing story about Jacobs’ ability to become completely absorbed in a role.

Yerima recalled performing in one of his own plays with Jacobs when the veteran actor became emotional during a scene.

The unexpected performance was so convincing that Yerima said he momentarily forgot his own lines, turning the incident into a memorable experience.

Actresses Hilda Dokubo and Kate Henshaw also spoke about Jacobs’ kindness away from the cameras.

Dokubo remembered being nervous when she first worked alongside Jacobs and Joke Silva. She recalled how Jacobs noticed her discomfort and encouraged her to relax and read with him.

That simple gesture, she said, helped her overcome her nervousness and become more comfortable around the veteran performers.

Henshaw similarly remembered Jacobs as a thoughtful colleague who paid attention to the welfare of people working around him.

She recalled how he would arrive on long shooting days with snacks and coffee. On one occasion, when the cast and crew were working at a remote location, Jacobs reportedly produced food from his leather bag when the team needed something to eat.

For Sola Sobowale, Jacobs’ influence extended beyond friendship and professional collaboration.

Sobowale recalled an early moment when Jacobs publicly praised her acting ability. She said his recognition gave her confidence at an important stage of her career.

According to her, Jacobs once acknowledged her talent in front of others and described her as a great actor.

Richard Mofe-Damijo also paid tribute to Jacobs, recalling a lesson from the veteran actor that remained with him throughout his career.

Mofe-Damijo remembered Jacobs explaining that every actor and every line in a production mattered, warning that neglecting seemingly minor roles or lines could ultimately affect an actor’s growth.

The gathering also featured a musical performance by singer Yinka Davies, who delivered a soulful, piano-backed medley in honour of the late actor.

The evening provided an opportunity for colleagues, friends and family members to celebrate Jacobs not only for his achievements on stage and screen but also for the personal relationships he built throughout his decades in the entertainment industry.

Through the memories shared at the ceremony, speakers highlighted different sides of the actor — as a mentor, colleague, father, friend and consummate performer.

As the final burial rites continue, tributes from those who worked alongside Olu Jacobs have continued to reflect the lasting influence he had on generations of Nigerian performers and the country’s wider cultural landscape.