Joke Silva thanks Nigerians as 40-day mourning for Olu Jacobs ends

Joke Silva has thanked Nigerians for the prayers, messages, visits and money that carried her family through the 40 days since her husband, Olu Jacobs, died.

The veteran actress posted the message on Instagram on Saturday, October 31, alongside a photo of herself with the late actor. She signed it on behalf of the whole Jacobs family.

In the post, she said the family had reached the end of the 40-day mourning period and wanted to acknowledge everyone who stood with them after Jacobs died.

She listed the support they received: prayers, phone calls, people who showed up in person, gifts, and contributions towards the funeral. According to her, each gesture brought real comfort to the family.

Silva also thanked those who celebrated her husband's life and legacy as a husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend. She said the family does not take the love and generosity for granted, adding that they are humbled and deeply grateful.

She closed with a prayer that God would bless and strengthen everyone who helped them.

Who Olu Jacobs was

Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at 84. His son, Olusoji Jacobs, announced the death and called him the "Lion of Lufodo".

He was buried in Lagos on October 2, after a funeral service at This Present House in Lekki. Family members, government officials and many entertainers attended.

His career ran for more than five decades across stage, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and appeared in British television shows and international films before becoming one of Nollywood's best-known faces.

Nigerians mostly remember him as traditional rulers, chiefs and family patriarchs. He married Silva in 1989, and together they founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

Fellow entertainers and fans filled the comment section of Silva's post with condolences and prayers, many asking God to strengthen her and the family.