Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has been described as a “national icon” who inspired many Nigerians to pick up careers in the movie industry.
In a glowy tribute to Jacobs, who died on Wednesday, Nigerian Ambassador designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, describes the deceased as an actor who “had no contemporaries” among his colleagues in the Nigerian movie industry.
In his tribute, Omokri described Jacobs as a humble actor whose humility makes certain of his colleagues think they are better actors than him.
The veteran actor who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, United Kingdom, was also lauded for his movie roles outside the shores of Nigeria.
Jacobs who starred in many Nollywood movies, also featured in many Britiah sitcoms and foreign movies such as the Dogs of War, in which he started with the respected Christopher Walken, himself once a Bond Villain, as well as featuring in a Roman Polanski film, Pirates.
Omokri wrote, ”Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, better known as Olu Jacobs, was a National Icon and a source of pride for Nigeria, whose pioneering role as an international thespian inspired many of our countrymen and women and drew many of today’s stars into television and movie acting.”
Recounting fond memories of growing up, Omokri stated that, “As children, we watched in awe as one of us starred in multiple British sitcoms and several global blockbuster movies after his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which first led him into theater and from the stage to the silver screen, including a stint in the runaway British TV hit series, The Professionals, amongst many others.
”He had no contemporaries amongst his fellow citizens in this regard—absolutely none!
”Along with his mentor, the late great Chief Hubert Ogunde, he was the real Grand Old Man of Nollywood, having become a global star as far back as the seventies and early eighties, with such movie credits as the Dogs of War, in which he started with the respected Christopher Walken (pictured), himself once a Bond Villain, as well as featuring in a Roman Polanski film, Pirates.
”He also gladdened the hearts of many fans through his many commercials and adverts, which are now classics and bring up fond nostalgia.
”Because of the modesty of Ogunde and Jacobs, and especially Mr. Jacobs, who starred in hundreds of Nollywood movies, less deserving individuals have made pretenses to their title of Nollywood Pioneers, but history makes their claims hollow.”
He is also extending his sympathies to the Jacobs, saying, ”We will miss this great African who has passed into ancestor-hood at the great age of 84. We pray that God Almighty grant the family he left behind succour, especially Auntie Joke Sylvia, his wife and fellow actor, and their children and grandchildren.
”A grateful nation will miss Mr. Jacobs, who, thankfully, got the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) title in his lifetime.
”Adieu, great sir. Until we meet to part no more.”
