Nollywood veterans, Prince Jide Kosoko, Alexander Usifo and actress Kemi Lala Akindoju have paid tribute to fellow actor Olu Jacobs, following his death at the age of 84….
By Boluwatife Kehinde-Idowu
Nollywood veterans, Prince Jide Kosoko, Alexander Usifo and actress Kemi Lala Akindoju have paid tribute to fellow actor Olu Jacobs, following his death at the age of 84.
In separate tributes shared on Instagram, the actors recalled Jacobs’ contributions to the Nigerian film and theatre industry, as well as his character and influence on those who worked with him.
Kosoko, in a tribute shared via his Instagram page, described Jacobs as “a true patriot” and “a legend,” referring to him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
“It is with a heavy heart, but with total gratitude to God for a life well spent, that I mourn the passing of my dear Egbon, Oludotun Jacobs — The Lion of Lufodo. You were not just an actor, but an institution and a patriot in the purest form. At a time when many sought greener pastures, you left the lucrative, glittering creative world of the West where you had already conquered. Having been trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and having commanded the British stage, you returned to your fatherland, Nigeria, to build.
“My dear Egbon, you came, you saw, and you conquered. Veni, Vidi, Vici. Our industry will miss your originality. You were the embodiment of Stanislavsky — you did not just act a role, you became the role. That commanding presence, that unmistakable voice, and that dignity you brought to every character will never be found again. Rest on, true and great actor. Rest on, patriot. Rest on, Lion. Nigeria salutes you. We will miss you.”
Also paying tribute, Usifo, on his Instagram page, recalled his experience working with Jacobs.
....: Flashback: Why I Kept Maiden Name Despite Marrying Olu Jacobs – Joke Silva
“Rest well, Olu Jacobs. 84 years, and a lifetime given to this craft. I had the honour of working with him — I can’t even recall every title now, but I remember him. That baritone voice. That ever-present smile. So much warmth, and not a trace of pride, even with everything he had accomplished. Even though he was my senior, I called him simply ‘Olu J’ — and he never minded. We would still shake hands. That was the kind of man he was.
“A good mixer. A man who made everyone around him feel like they belonged. My heart goes out to his wife, Joke Silva, his children, and everyone who loved him. The credits roll, but the influence stays.”
Akindoju, in her tribute shared via Instagram, described Jacobs as “a true legend” and “the actual G.O.A.T.” She also remembered him as her “Uncle Olu” and as a father figure, teacher and mentor.
In her words, she said: “I have spent most of today trying to find the right words to celebrate the life a true legend, the actual G.O.A.T., an embodiment of talent, and a grand master in every sense of the word. More importantly, he was my Mama J’s husband, a father not just to Soji & Gbenga, but to so many of us. A teacher. A mentor. And a man who always, always knew how to tell the best jokes whilst never missing an opportunity to tease you.
“Today, our dear Uncle Olu, as we fondly called him, transitioned. And while our hearts are heavy, we are comforted by the knowledge that his legacy lives with us forever. What a privilege it has been to not only know him and experience his extraordinary work from afar, but to have experienced him up close, to learn from him, to be supported by him, to share moments with him, and to simply be in the presence of such a remarkable man. Uncle Olu, thank you for the gift of your talent, your wisdom, your kindness, your laughter and that unique & distinct voice. Thank you for showing us what it really means to leave a mark. Rest easy, Sir. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Love you, Uncle Olu.”
