 |
| Photo credit — Sola Sobowale |
Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, describing him as the man who trained her in the Nigerian movie industry.
Sobowale spoke on Wednesday at the Night of Tribute held in honour of the late actor at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos State.
Olu Jacobs died on 16 September 2026 at the age of 84. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs.
Reflecting on her career, Sobowale said many people praise her acting without knowing who shaped her.
“When people see Sola Sobowale, they say she is a fantastic actor, but somebody trained me and Baba Olu Jacobs was that person who trained me. Man of knowledge, wisdom and a selfless man,” she said.
The actress, popularly known as ‘Toyin Tomato’ from her role in the long-running television series Super Storyproduced by Wale Adenuga, also recalled how Jacobs used to caution and advise her.
RELATED ▶︎▶︎ Burial Arrangements Announced for Veteran Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs
“Anytime I bring my wahala, he has this, ‘Sola, No, No, No,’” she demonstrated, mimicking the late actor’s famous hand gesture. She noted that the gesture carried both caution and wise advice.
Veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, also shared personal memories of Jacobs.
In a video shared by Naija Vibes on Instagram, Salami recalled their first meeting in 1997. He had long admired Jacobs from afar and decided to approach him with a script titled Okunfa.
“We shot the film in Ilorin in 1997,” Salami said.
After sending the script, he asked when he could visit Jacobs. The late actor simply replied, “Don’t worry, I will come.” And he did.
After reviewing the script, Jacobs offered two valuable suggestions.
“I must confess to you. That man thought of things that didn’t cross my mind. He showed he was a father. He was a professional to the core,” Salami said.
He urged Jacobs’ children to continue immortalising their father’s name so that his legacy is never forgotten.
Family members, colleagues and industry figures gathered to honour Jacobs, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most talented and influential actors.
Among those present were Jide Kosoko, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Afeez Oyetoro (Saka), Norbert Young, Femi Adebayo, Funke Akindele and many others.
Chioma Adeyemi is an entertainment and music writer at Naijapiz. She covers Entertainment, Music, Videos.
Post a Comment