Some of Nollywood's most celebrated names gathered at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for Olu Jacobs' Night of Tributes, the first public ceremony held to honour the screen legend since his death on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

The Service of Songs drew industry figures across generations, including Funke Akindele, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Saka, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Norbert Young and Sola Sobowale, alongside Jacobs' wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their sons.

His funeral service is scheduled to hold on October 2, 2026.

Jacobs, affectionately known as the "Lion of Lufodu," trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and built his craft in British theatre and television before returning to Nigeria, where he became one of the most foundational figures in the country's film and stage history over a career spanning more than five decades.

The evening's most emotional moment came from Sola Sobowale, who broke down while publicly crediting Jacobs for personally training her and shaping her acting career.

"When people see Sola Sobowale, they say she is a fantastic actor. But somebody trained me. And I'm saying this today: Baba Olu Jacobs Olumide trained me. A man of knowledge, wisdom, selfless man — that is Uncle Olumi," she said. recalling how he would gently correct her: "Anytime when I bring my wahala, then he has this... 'Sola, no, no, no, no'. If you are wise, you'll know what that means."

She closed her tribute with a farewell message.

"You are gone, but forever you will be remembered. May the path ahead of you not be ruined. May the legacy and family you left behind never fall apart... Farewell until we meet along the journey, until we meet in dreams. Thank you very much. I love you," she said.

Other colleagues also paid tribute to Jacobs' influence. Funke Akindele described him as "a true legend and a kind, gracious man who was always willing to support, encourage, and uplift young talents."

Richard Mofe-Damijo credited Jacobs' decision to return to Nigeria with creating pathways for later generations of Nigerian actors, and spoke about the lifelong lessons he drew from him on discipline and humility.

Jide Kosoko remembered him as an institution and a patriot, pointing to the commanding presence and dedication that left lasting standards for those who came after him.

The gathering reflected the breadth of Jacobs' influence across Nollywood — from peers who worked alongside him to younger stars he mentored.

By choosing to root himself in Nigerian storytelling after training abroad, Jacobs is widely credited with helping legitimise the industry at a time when it was still finding its footing, with his influence continuing to be felt long after that decision.

Separately, veteran actor Pete Edochie also paid tribute to his late friend and colleague, speaking on Jacobs' character, their bond, and the grief of losing someone so dear, while acknowledging that death remains beyond human control once a person's time has been ordained.

ID