The curtain has finally fallen on one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, Olu Jacob! The veteran was buried after a funeral service that attracted family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries from different walks of life.
Friday’s service, held in the Lekki area of Lagos, was the culmination of days of funeral activities in honour of the acclaimed actor who died in September at 84.
The deputy governor of Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat, led the government’s dignitaries to the funeral service alongside other officials. He described the deceased as an “icon of the entertainment industry”.
“I joined family, friends and loved ones at This Present House on Freedom Way to say a final farewell to a true icon of the entertainment industry, Uncle Olu Jacobs. We gathered to honour his life and the memories he leaves behind,” Hamzat wrote in a post on his X handle.
“My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and loved ones as they mourn this great loss. May God grant him eternal rest and give his family the strength to carry on.”
Singer Dare Art Alade performed his song “Pray for Me” at the funeral service. Other Nollywood dignitaries at the ceremony included Kate Henshaw, Stan Nze, and Ernest Obi.
After the service, the hearse proceeded to the burial site, where his remains were laid to rest.
The funeral came after a night of tributes and a service of songs on Wednesday to celebrate his legacy and contributions to the country’s entertainment industry
Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942, and began his acting career decades ago. He featured in British theatre and television and international films and emerged as one of the defining Nollywood figures.
The actor was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in several British television productions, including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.
Upon his return to the country, Jacobs joined Nollywood, rising to become one of its most iconic figures. He was renowned for his authoritative roles, including traditional rulers, chiefs, and father figures.
He married actress Joke Silva in 1989, and the duo later co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
