The death of veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs has continued to attract emotional tributes from colleagues and prominent figures in the country’s entertainment and public life, with actress Patience Ozokwor expressing deep regret over her inability to attend his funeral.
Jacobs was laid to rest on Friday, October 2, at a funeral attended by members of his family, friends, colleagues and other personalities who gathered to honour the celebrated actor and reflect on his contributions to Nigeria’s film industry.
Ozokwor, who is currently in Ghana, said she was unable to return to Nigeria for the funeral because of contractual obligations.
In an emotional message posted on her Instagram page on Friday, the veteran actress said she was devastated by her absence, stressing that she would have done anything to be physically present to bid Jacobs a final farewell.
She wrote, “It hurts my heart that I am not physically present in Nigeria today to pay my last respects to the great legend, Olu Jacobs.
“I would give anything to be there right now, but contractual obligations will not allow me to. My heart and thoughts are with you all.
“I pray everything goes peacefully and that his remarkable legacy lives on. Though I may not be there in person, please know that I am with you all in spirit.
“Rest well, great legend. Your legacy will forever remain.
“Go well, great legend. Ga nke Oma. Until we meet to part no more.”
Ozokwor’s tribute reflected the sense of loss among members of the Nigerian film community, many of whom worked alongside Jacobs during his long and influential career.
Another veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu, also mourned Jacobs, describing him as much more than an actor and acknowledging his place as one of the giants of the Nigerian film industry.
Agu, while reacting to the death, said he struggled to find adequate words to express his grief as he came to terms with the passing of his longtime colleague.
Tributes also came from outside the acting community.
NDC Presidential aspirant Peter Obi expressed sadness over Jacobs’ death, describing the late actor as an embodiment of the excellence of the Nigerian spirit.
Obi highlighted Jacobs’ contribution to the country’s film and creative industries, saying his career demonstrated “the power of talent, discipline, professionalism, and dedication to one’s craft.”
Actress Rita Dominic also joined those paying their respects, describing Jacobs as an icon and a legend and referring to him as a gift to the Nigerian film industry.
Dominic expressed appreciation for the opportunity to have shared the screen with the veteran actor, saying she considered herself privileged to have learned from him and witnessed his talent and professionalism firsthand.
Veteran actor Pete Edochie, another prominent figure in Nigeria’s acting community, described Jacobs as his brother while reflecting on their relationship and the qualities he admired in him.
Edochie said Jacobs “fought like a man and a soldier,” while also remembering him as a humorous person and a peaceful colleague.
The outpouring of tributes from actors and public figures underscores the impact Jacobs had on generations of performers and on the development of Nigeria’s film industry. His career, spanning theatre, television and film, earned him recognition as one of the country’s most respected screen and stage actors.
As colleagues and admirers gathered to bid him farewell, the tributes centred not only on his accomplishments as an actor but also on his professionalism, character and influence on those who worked with him.