By Ade Oyeyemi
Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has expressed appreciation to Nigerians and well-wishers who stood by her family following the death of her husband and screen legend, Olu Jacobs.
Silva conveyed her gratitude in an Instagram post on Saturday, marking the end of the 40-day period following the actor’s death.
She acknowledged the prayers, condolence messages, visits, telephone calls, gifts and financial contributions received by the family, describing the gestures as a source of comfort during their period of grief.
The actress said the family remained deeply grateful for the support and kindness shown to them, adding that they did not take the goodwill of friends, colleagues and members of the public for granted.
She also appreciated those who celebrated Jacobs’ life and legacy, recognising his contributions as a husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend.
“The 40 days have come and gone, and as we reflect on this period, my family and I would like to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you all for standing by us following the passing of my beloved husband, Pa Olu Jacobs,” she wrote.
Silva further acknowledged the generosity of those who supported the family in different ways, describing their show of love as humbling. She signed the message on behalf of the Jacobs family and prayed for God’s continued blessings and strength upon everyone who supported them.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, who described the late actor as the “Lion of Lufodo”.
The veteran actor was buried in Lagos on October 2 following a funeral service at This Present House, Lekki. The ceremony attracted family members, government officials and prominent personalities in the entertainment industry.
Jacobs enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades in theatre, television and film. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he featured in several British television productions and international films before becoming one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actors.
He was particularly renowned for his roles as traditional rulers, chiefs and family patriarchs. He and Silva, whom he married in 1989, also co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
