Veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has been laid to rest in Lagos after a funeral service attended by family members, friends, colleagues and dignitaries from across the country’s entertainment industry.
The funeral service was held on Friday at This Present House on Freedom Way in the Lekki area of Lagos, bringing to a close several days of activities held in honour of the acclaimed actor, who died in September at the age of 84.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat led government officials at the ceremony and described Jacobs as an “icon of the entertainment industry”.
Hamzat, in a post on X, said he joined the actor’s family, friends and loved ones to pay their final respects and honour his contributions to the industry.
Singer Dare Art Alade performed his song, “Pray for Me”, during the service, while Nollywood personalities including Kate Henshaw, Stan Nze and Ernest Obi were also present.
Following the service, Jacobs’ remains were taken to the burial site, where he was laid to rest.
The funeral followed a night of tributes and a service of songs held on Wednesday to celebrate his life and contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs built a career spanning British theatre and television, international film and Nollywood.
He 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.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable figures, often portraying traditional rulers, chiefs and father figures.
He married actress Joke Silva in 1989, and the couple later co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
