Nollywood stars, filmmakers and veterans of Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered in Lagos on Wednesday to honour late actor Olu Jacobs at a Night of Tributes held at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island.

The ceremony brought together colleagues and friends from across generations of Nigerian theatre, television and film, as the industry remembered the actor who died on September 16, 2026, aged 84.

Among those in attendance were Richard Mofe-Damijo, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Hilda Dokubo, Segun Arinze, Rita Dominic, Emeka Ike, Femi Adebayo and Madam Saje. Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, also attended the event.

The evening featured tributes, performances and personal recollections of Jacobs, with colleagues reflecting on his career and influence within the creative industry.

Richard Mofe-Damijo described Jacobs as a father figure whose influence extended to younger actors, while Sola Sobowale became emotional as she recalled his role in her journey as an actress. Other speakers remembered his professionalism, mentorship and contribution to the development of Nigerian theatre and film.

Known by the nickname “Lion of Lufodo”, Jacobs had a career spanning more than five decades. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and worked in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the country’s most recognisable actors.

Jacobs and his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, through which they contributed to the training and development of performers.

His career included stage productions, television programmes and films, and earned him several honours, including the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.

Jacobs’ death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described him as “The Lion of Lufodo”. His passing prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers, government officials and admirers across Nigeria and beyond.

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. Guests have been asked to wear shades of green, while the tribute ceremony had a blue dress code.

The funeral service will be followed by a private burial.