Nollywood stars, filmmakers and veterans of Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered in Lagos on Wednesday to celebrate the life and legacy of late veteran actor Olu Jacobs.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Night of Tributes, held at the Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island, brought together colleagues, friends and admirers from different generations of Nigerian theatre, television and film.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84, after a career spanning more than five decades.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Hilda Dokubo, Segun Arinze, Rita Dominic, Emeka Ike, Femi Adebayo and Madam Saje.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was also present.
The ceremony featured tributes, performances and personal recollections as speakers reflected on Jacobs’ career, character and contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry.
Richard Mofe-Damijo described Jacobs as a father figure whose influence extended beyond his immediate generation to younger actors.
Sola Sobowale became emotional while recalling Jacobs’ role in her journey as an actress, while other speakers highlighted his professionalism, mentorship and contribution to the growth of Nigerian theatre and film.
Known as the “Lion of Lufodo,” Jacobs built a career that spanned stage, television and film.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and worked in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, where he established himself as one of the country’s most recognisable actors.
Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the training and development of performers.
Throughout his career, Jacobs featured in numerous stage productions, television programmes and films and received several honours, including the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes from actors, filmmakers, government officials and admirers in Nigeria and beyond.
The Night of Tributes was held ahead of Jacobs’ funeral service, scheduled for Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Guests at the funeral service have been asked to wear shades of green, while the Night of Tributes had a blue dress code.
The funeral service will be followed by a private burial.
