Veteran actor Olu Jacobs has been remembered for his legendary performances, remarkable influence, mentorship, and invaluable contributions to the careers of fellow actors and the Nigerian film industry.
Veteran Nigerian actors Sola Sobowale and Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) have paid heartfelt tributes to legendary actor Olu Jacobs, reflecting on his influence, professionalism and enduring contribution to Nigerian cinema.
Adebayo Salami, Sola Sobowale Pay Tribute to Olu Jacobs’ Mentorship
Sola Sobowale described Olu Jacobs as a man of knowledge, wisdom and selflessness, recalling the significant role he played in shaping her career as an actor.
The veteran actress credited Jacobs with helping to develop her craft and said his influence went beyond acting to the way she approached speech, movement and character portrayal.
“When people see Sola Sobowale, ‘Ah, fantastic actor,’ but somebody trained me, and I’m saying this today, Baba Olu Jacobs trained me.”
Sobowale also recalled that Jacobs was someone she could turn to whenever she faced challenges. According to her, he would patiently listen to her concerns before responding with his characteristic mannerisms and expressions.
“A man of knowledge, wisdom, selfless man, that is Uncle Olu to me,” she said.
Adebayo Salami, meanwhile, recalled his first encounter with Olu Jacobs in 1997 while working on a film script titled Okunfa.
Salami said he had admired Jacobs from afar before deciding to approach him for the project. After receiving the script, Jacobs agreed to read it and later visited Salami to discuss the production.
Salami recalled feeling nervous when Jacobs arrived, but said the veteran actor quickly put him at ease.
According to Salami, Jacobs asked about the Yoruba-language script before revealing that he had read it and liked what he saw.
“Script yi ni Yoruba ni? Can you? Omo Yoruba ni mi. Mo ti ka, I’ve read the script and I liked it. And I’m going to participate in it.”
Adebayo Salami, Sola Sobowale Pay Tribute to Olu Jacobs’ Creative Impact
Salami said Jacobs also asked whether he could contribute to the script, a request he readily accepted.
Reflecting on the experience, Salami said Jacobs’ creative insight went beyond what he had initially envisioned for the project.
“I must confess to you, ibiti mi o ronu lo ni, baba yen ronu lo.”
The comment reflected Salami’s appreciation of Jacobs’ ability to bring additional depth and creative thought to a production.
The tributes from Sobowale and Salami highlight the lasting impact Olu Jacobs had on colleagues who worked with him.
While Sobowale focused on Jacobs’ role as a mentor who helped shape her development as an actor, Salami recalled his creative contribution and professionalism during their work on Okunfa.
Their accounts portray Jacobs as a respected figure whose influence extended beyond his performances to mentorship, collaboration and the development of other talents within the Nigerian film industry.
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