“Joke, You Took Care Of Him For 6yrs”, Legendary Actor Pete Edochie Mourns Olu Jacobs’ Death In This Emotional Video (watch)
A video of veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie paying an emotional tribute to his longtime colleague and friend, Olu Jacobs, has been circulating widely on social media on Wednesday, drawing renewed attention to the painful loss of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors. The video captures Edochie describing Olu Jacobs as a brother who “fought like a soldier” and reflecting on the difficult final years of the late actor’s life.
Olu Jacobs died at the age of 84 in September 2026, with his family announcing his passing on September 16. The family described his life as one “well lived and fought” and asked the public to respect their privacy as they mourned.
His death came after years of serious health challenges. In 2021, his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, publicly revealed that Olu Jacobs had been diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies, a progressive neurodegenerative condition. His health struggles had kept him largely away from the public eye in his later years.
Against that background, Pete Edochie’s words in the resurfaced video have taken on an even deeper emotional meaning. Edochie described Olu as a peaceful and humorous colleague and said he had fought through his difficulties with the courage of a soldier.
He also addressed Joke Silva directly, acknowledging the years of care and sacrifice she gave her husband, telling her, “Joke, you did your best.”
One of the most heartbreaking moments comes when Edochie recalls Olu Jacobs’ own words: “Your problems are firmly behind you.” He then reflects on the possibility that those who have passed away may one day recognize one another again, saying there is a possibility that he and Olu could meet again.
Edochie also spoke about Olu Jacobs’ remarkable longevity, noting that among their senior colleagues who had passed on, Olu was the one who lived beyond 80. He said that while Nigerians must mourn his death, they should also celebrate the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
The veteran actor further expressed a touching wish that one of Olu Jacobs’ children would take up acting, so that seeing that child on screen would remind people of the legendary actor and the contribution he made to Nollywood.
The emotional video comes as tributes continue to pour in following the death of the man widely regarded as one of the major figures in Nigerian theatre, television and film. Olu Jacobs’ career spanned decades, including work in Britain and Nigeria, and he was honoured with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
