Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs laid to rest in Lagos as Actors, others honour legacy

Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has been laid to rest in Lagos, bringing to a close a series of funeral ceremonies held in honour of one of the country’s most celebrated stage and screen actors.

Jacobs, who died in September at the age of 82, was buried on Friday following a funeral service held at the Freedom Centre in Lekki, Lagos.

The ceremony was attended by members of his family, friends, colleagues and prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

Among the Nollywood stars present were Shaffy Bello, Keppy Ekpeyong, Stan Nze, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Ireti Doyle, Lala Akindoju, Kate Henshaw, OC Ukeje, Patrick Doyle, Stephanie Okereke and Ernest Obi.

The burial followed a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held earlier at the Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island, where speakers celebrated Jacobs’ decades-long contribution to theatre, television and film.

His sons, Gbenga and Soji, paid emotional tributes to their father, describing him as a deeply private family man who maintained a clear distinction between his public career and his personal life.

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Soji recalled his father as a “magnetic” and genuine personality, saying that despite the immense affection and attention he received from the entertainment industry, he remained committed to protecting his family’s privacy.

“For me, he was simply Dad. We were very close because he was magnetic and genuine in his movement,” he said.

Several leading actors also reflected on Jacobs’ impact on their careers and the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, described Jacobs as a father figure to many actors, praising his professionalism, discipline and commitment to excellence.

“Uncle Olu was more than a colleague; he was a father figure to many of us. His professionalism, discipline and commitment to excellence set a standard we continue to aspire to,” RMD said.

Veteran actress Sola Sobowale also described Jacobs as a mentor who played an important role in shaping her acting career.

Actor Norbert Young recalled working with Jacobs on The Third Eye after the veteran returned to Nigeria in 1990, describing the experience as an important period of learning.

“I’m here to praise Uncle Olu Jacobs, not to mourn him. I am not going to mourn Uncle Olu. It’s not possible,” Young said.

Born in 1942 to parents from Egba Alake, Jacobs grew up in Kano before travelling to Britain, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

He subsequently built a successful career in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria in 1990. His performances in productions including The Third Eye, as well as numerous Nigerian films, established him as one of the country’s most respected actors.

Throughout his career, Jacobs received several honours for his contribution to the arts, including the 2021 Africa International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2022 Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria Icon Award and the Industry Merit Award at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

His burial marks the end of a series of ceremonies celebrating a career that spanned generations and helped shape Nigeria’s theatre, television and film industries.