Veteran Nigerian actor Pete Edochie has paid tribute to Olu Jacobs, a pioneering figure in Nollywood, following the actor’s death on 16 September 2026 at the age of 84. Edochie, 79, described Jacobs as a ‘peaceful and humorous man’ who ‘fought like a man and like a soldier’ until his final days, emphasizing the inevitability of death as dictated by divine will.
Jacobs, born on 11 July 1942 in Kano to Egba-Alake parents from Abeokuta, Ogun State, built a career spanning over five decades in theatre, television, and film. His journey included training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where he worked with institutions like the BBC and the Royal Shakespeare Company before returning to Nigeria to become a defining force in the country’s acting industry.
Edochie’s emotional remarks came as Jacobs’ family announced a ‘Night of Tributes’ on 30 September at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, ahead of his funeral on 2 October at This Present House, Lekki Phase 1. The event will honor a man whose career earned him accolades such as the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor and a Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
In his tribute, Edochie reflected on the ‘six years’ Joke Silva, Jacobs’ wife and fellow veteran actress, spent caring for him during his final health struggles. He praised her resilience, stating, ‘You did your best. And while we must mourn that he has gone, we should also be glad and celebrate his life.’ Silva, who married Jacobs in 1989, had previously addressed public speculation about his health in 2021, while the family repeatedly denied false reports of his death before his passing.
Edochie highlighted Jacobs’ unique longevity, noting that he ‘got upbeat to 80 and beyond’—surpassing the biblical reference to a 70-year lifespan. ‘The Good Book allowed us 70 years, but Olu added 14 years on top of that,’ he said, though he acknowledged the final six years were marked by challenges that defied expectations.
The veteran actor also expressed hope that one of Jacobs’ children might continue his legacy in acting, stating, ‘My warmest prayer is that one of Olu’s children takes to acting, so that whenever we look at him, we remember what Olu meant to all of us.’ This sentiment underscored the cultural significance of preserving the contributions of Nollywood’s pioneers.
Jacobs’ partnership with Silva extended beyond marriage into business, as they co-founded the Lufodo Group and established the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Their work spanned film production, distribution, and training, shaping the next generation of performers. Edochie noted that Jacobs’ private life remained largely known only to a close circle, including himself and Silva, whom he described as ‘a very peaceful colleague.’
The tribute came amid broader reflections on mortality, with Edochie quoting, ‘Something must kill a man,’ before adding, ‘Nobody can do it except God. If God says that the amount of time allocated to you on earth has finished, you cannot do anything about it but leave.’ His remarks, partly delivered in Hausa, resonated with the Nollywood community’s grief and reverence for Jacobs.
Jacobs’ death marks the end of an era for Nigerian cinema, as he transitioned from British theatre to becoming a cornerstone of Nollywood’s evolution. His career, which bridged international and local stages, left an indelible mark on the industry, with Edochie recalling, ‘Olu, my brother, you fought like a man and like a soldier.’
The actor’s legacy also includes his role in elevating Nigerian storytelling, with his work influencing both domestic and global audiences. Edochie emphasized that Jacobs’ ‘humorous personality’ and dedication to his craft made him a beloved figure, even as his final years were defined by private struggles.
Joke Silva’s six-year caregiving journey, though unpublicized, became a focal point of Edochie’s tribute. He acknowledged the emotional toll, stating, ‘I commiserate with you for what you have endured over a period of six years,’ while urging the public to respect the family’s privacy during this time of mourning.
The Night of Tributes will serve as a platform to celebrate Jacobs’ life, with attendees expected to honor his contributions to theatre, film, and the arts. Edochie’s remarks, delivered with heartfelt sincerity, reinforced the deep camaraderie among Nollywood’s veterans, who view Jacobs as a mentor and inspiration.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jacobs’ personal life reflected a commitment to family and legacy. Edochie’s closing words to Silva—‘your problems are firmly behind you. Take heart’—highlighted the emotional closure sought by those who knew him best. He also mused, ‘If it is true that people recognise one another after they are gone, there is a possibility that we would meet again,’ offering a poignant note of hope.
Jacobs’ passing has sparked renewed appreciation for the sacrifices of caregivers and the enduring impact of Nollywood’s trailblazers. As the industry mourns, Edochie’s tribute underscores the importance of honoring those who shaped its history, ensuring their stories endure for future generations.
The funeral and tribute events will not only commemorate Jacobs’ life but also reaffirm the cultural and artistic legacy he leaves behind. Edochie’s words, echoing through the Nollywood community, serve as a reminder of the resilience and artistry that defined a man who ‘fought like a man and like a soldier’ until his final breath.
The legacy of Olu Jacobs, as celebrated by Edochie and his peers, stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the indelible mark left by those who dedicated their lives to the arts. His journey from Kano to global stages, and back to Nigeria’s heart, remains a source of inspiration for aspiring actors and a symbol of the industry’s rich heritage.