Jacobs lived many lives through acting
Olu Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His family called him “The Lion of Lufodo”.
For many Nigerians, that name brings back powerful screen memories. Jacobs could play a king, father, chief or businessman with equal ease. His deep voice and calm delivery also became part of his signature.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He later appeared in British television productions and international films. Jacobs eventually returned to Nigeria and became one of Nollywood’s most respected actors.
His career lasted for decades. More importantly, he used that career to build beyond himself.
He built a life with Joke Silva
Jacobs met Joke Silva in 1981 while they worked on Wole Soyinka’s Jero’s Metamorphosis. He immediately told people around him that he would marry her. Silva was not impressed. They became close friends before romance entered the picture.
That friendship became the foundation of their marriage.
In one interview, Jacobs gave a simple explanation for their long relationship:
“We are good friends.”
Silva also described Jacobs as her friend before anything else. She said that friendship helped them navigate marriage and life in the entertainment industry.
Their partnership also extended into business. Together, they built the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. Their work helped create opportunities for other people in the industry.
Their marriage had real storms
The Jacobs-Silva story was never a picture of perfect love.
Silva once revealed that she nearly left the marriage several times. She also spoke about arguments, hurt feelings and moments when she packed her things.
She later said marriage taught them to forgive each other. She called it “a continuous journey” rather than a destination.
That honesty gives their story weight. They did not pretend marriage was easy. They faced difficult seasons and kept working through them.
In 2023, Silva said she would marry Jacobs again “in a heartbeat”. She also spoke about the “incredible” challenges they faced together.
Olu Jacobs leaves more than movie memories
Jacobs leaves behind an impressive body of work and a family legacy.
He also leaves behind institutions, younger creatives and audiences who watched him for generations. Nigeria honoured him with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011. He also received major industry honours for his contribution to acting.
For younger Nigerians, his story offers something simple: talent can open the door, but discipline can keep it open.
Olu Jacobs spent decades doing the work.
Now, the curtain has fallen on his journey. His work remains.
