Olu Jacobs, who died aged 84 on 16 September, was buried after a funeral ceremony held in Lekki, Lagos.
Jacobs, who died aged 84 on 16 September, was buried after a funeral ceremony held in Lekki, Lagos. The service came a day after members of the entertainment industry and other well-wishers gathered for a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs in his memory.
Among those who attended the funeral were Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Hamzat; Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; and former Ekiti State First Lady Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi.
Jacobs’ widow, actress Joke Silva, attended the ceremony with their sons, Olusoji and Olugbenga Jacobs. The family members were dressed in blue.
Mr Hamzat, who joined other government officials at the funeral, described the late actor as an icon of the entertainment industry in a statement posted on his X page.
“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. “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.”
Nigerian singer-songwriter Dare Art Alade delivered a performance of his hit song “Pray for Me” during the funeral service. Actors at the ceremony include Shaffy Bello, Keppy Ekpeyong, Stan Nze, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Ireti Doyle, Lala Akindoju, Kate Henshaw, OC Ukeje, Patrick Doyle, Stephanie Okereke, Ernest Obi, among others.
Olu Jacobs
Jacobs, fondly called the “Lion of Lufodo”, had a career spanning more than five decades in theatre, television and film.
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.
In 1989, Jacobs married actor Silva. Together, they founded the Lufodo Group and later established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
SOURCE: PremiumTimes