Nollywood stars honour late Olu Jacobs at Night of Tributes

By Damilola Akinwale –

Nollywood thespians gathered to honour veteran actor Olu Jacobs at his Night of Tributes on Wednesday, ahead of his funeral.

The ceremony, held at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, brought together industry colleagues and well-wishers to remember the actor, who died on September 16, 2026, aged 84. The evening featured tributes, performances and personal recollections of Jacobs’ career and influence on the entertainment industry.

Celebrities who attended included the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Hilda Dokubo, Segun Arinze, Rita Dominic, Emeka Ike, Femi Adebayo and Madam Saje.

Veteran actress Sola Sobowale disclosed that Jacobs trained her in the entertainment industry, saying people often appreciate her acting skills without knowing her story. “When people see Sola Sobowale, they say she is a fantastic actor, but somebody trained me, and Baba Olu Jacobs was that person who trained me. Man of knowledge, wisdom and a selfless man,” she said.

Sobowale added that Jacobs often corrected her on set and offered his opinion whenever she needed his guidance, sometimes expressing his disapproval with a dismissive gesture and a firm “No” as a sign of caution and advice.

Richard Mofe-Damijo described Jacobs as a father figure whose influence extended to younger actors, while Adebayo Salami remembered his professionalism, mentorship and contribution to the development of the Nigerian film industry.

Jacobs, nicknamed the “Lion of Lufodo”, co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts alongside his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva. His career spanned more than five decades and included stage productions, television programmes and films. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and later worked in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria.

The Night of Tributes was held ahead of his funeral service, scheduled for Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. at This Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The service will be followed immediately by a private burial.