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| Photo credit — Patience Ozokwor & Olu Jacobs |
Nollywood veteran Patience Ozokwor has publicly explained her absence from the funeral of legendary actor Olu Jacobs, who was laid to rest on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Jacobs, one of the most respected figures in Nigerian cinema, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His funeral service took place at This Present House Church in Lekki, Lagos, and was attended by family members (including his wife, Joke Silva, and their sons), industry colleagues, and dignitaries such as Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
Ozokwor, who is currently in Ghana for work, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. She said contractual obligations prevented her from returning to Nigeria in time to pay her final respects in person.
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Here is her full statement:
“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 reflects the deep respect many Nollywood stars hold for Jacobs, often described as one of the “godfathers” of the industry. His career spanned more than five decades across theatre, British television, and Nigerian film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and later helped shape generations of actors through his work and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (which he co-founded with Joke Silva).
The funeral followed a Night of Tributes held on September 30 at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos Island, where many colleagues shared memories of his influence, professionalism, and larger-than-life presence on screen.
While Ozokwor could not attend physically, her message of solidarity with the family and the industry has resonated with fans. She joins other stars who have paid public tributes since Jacobs’ passing.
Olu Jacobs’ remarkable body of work and the values he represented will continue to inspire the Nigerian entertainment industry for years to come.
Chioma Adeyemi is an entertainment and music writer at Naijapiz. She covers Entertainment, Music, Videos.
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