Nollywood Bids Farewell to Legend Olu Jacobs as Industry Mourns Deaths of Chioma Akpotha’s Father and Gospel Singer Kolawole Okanlawon

The Nigerian entertainment industry and public figures gathered in Lagos on October 2, 2026, to pay their final respects to legendary Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs. The veteran performer, who passed away on September 16 at the age of 84 following a battle with Dementia with Lewy bodies, was laid to rest in a private cemetery. The funeral service, held at the Freedom Centre in Lekki Phase 1, drew a significant crowd of mourners, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and a host of entertainment icons such as Richard Mofe-Damijo and Rita Dominic, who came to celebrate the life of a cinematic pioneer.

The burial ceremony was marked by deep emotion and a spirit of volunteerism among the acting community. Eyewitness accounts and video tributes highlighted the significant role played by veteran actress Kate Henshaw, who took an active lead in managing the event’s logistics. Henshaw was observed overseeing various aspects of the Night of Tributes and the burial ceremony itself, reportedly handling responsibilities personally rather than delegating tasks to external staff. This hands-on involvement served as a testament to the high regard in which Jacobs was held by his younger colleagues, who viewed him as a foundational figure in the Nigerian film industry.

Amidst the burial of the legendary actor, other prominent figures in the entertainment world shared their own personal tragedies. On the same day as Jacobs' funeral, Nollywood actress Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha announced the passing of her father, Leonard Ndukaife Chukwuka. In a poignant social media post, Akpotha expressed her profound grief, noting that the loss was particularly devastating as she had already lost her mother, Grace Egoyibo Chukwuka, thirteen years prior. While mourning the void left by her father's death and reflecting on their cherished moments together, the actress requested prayers for her family and indicated that formal funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.

The week of mourning extended further into the Nigerian gospel music community with the news of the death of Kolawole Okanlawon. A popular singer and choir master at the CCC Winners Parish in Lagos State, Okanlawon’s passing was confirmed by fellow artist Esther Igbekele in an Instagram post on October 5. These successive losses have cast a somber mood over Nigeria's creative sectors, prompting a wave of tributes across social media. As the industry reflects on the legacies of its departed veterans and peers, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved families and honoring the cultural contributions of these influential figures.