he National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, has mourned veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs, describing his death as the loss of a colossus of African film.
Olusoji Jacobs, son of the deceased, announced his father’s death in a post on his Instagram handle, @mrjacobs_jnr.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, Yakubu described Jacobs as “an icon of the African film industry”.
“I speak with you now with a heart filled with sorrow and grief, and also with a deep sense of loss,” Yakubu said.
He described Jacobs as “a consummate creative whose name became synonymous with excellence, dignity and mastery of the craft”.
“Uncle Olu Jacobs was far more than an actor; he was an institution. Whether on stage or before the camera, he possessed that rare ability to hold an audience spellbound,” he said.
Yakubu said Jacobs’ contribution to the development of Nigeria’s film and motion picture industry was immeasurable, describing him as a teacher, mentor and father figure to generations of young talents.
“Many people who came after him walked more boldly because they witnessed his excellence. Uncle Olu Jacobs did not merely build a career; he built a legacy,” he said.
He said Jacobs carried Nigerian cinema with grace, professionalism and distinction, leaving behind “footprints that time itself will struggle to erase”.
“Today the industry mourns. We mourn the man whose voice commanded attention, whose presence illuminated the screen, whose craft enriched our culture,” Yakubu said.
The AGN president said Jacobs’ contributions to the Nigerian motion picture industry and theatre would remain in the hearts of those he inspired.
“Though the curtain has fallen on the legend, the light he ignited will never go out. He is in our hearts every day,” he said.
NAN reports that the passing of Jacobs has continued to generate frenzy on social media platforms, with fans across Nigeria and beyond pouring in condolence messages and tributes.
@DanielRegha wrote, “One of the most brilliant actors both on and off the stage, only a few has made it to his level without scandals and controversies. Rest on, Olu Jacobs. Gone but not forgotten”.
@mrkakah said, “Olu Jacobs was a delight to watch. His voice, wit, and talent on set were top-notch. May his soul rest in peace”.
@JESUSBROOTHER commented, “My condolences, May the Lord console the Family. He is among those who made movie fun to watch. His voice, the Stare. Baba was a genius in what he did. Rest well Legend”.
@Drmeteno wrote, “Legends never die cos their legacy lives on. Keep resting well Olu Jacob”.
@i_bloosoms said, “What painful news! He was a wonderful actor whose movies were a pure delight to watch. So saddening! May God rest his soul!”
@Sandra6470 wrote, “Why is it that it seems like only people in the acting industry are dying? What about musicians too? I feel like there might be something going on somewhere.
“If there’s really something causing this, shouldn’t we be seeing it affect musicians too?”
@mfonisoa61 said, “This man’s queen English alone could shake your legs. Rest in Peace, Legend. The man that graced our screens with his ‘King’ character”.
@heaintshubby wrote, “Death I speak for Nigerians when I say you keep taking the wrong persons. After all the PR we don do for am during ogogo time. This is unfair o”.
@Tweetdecatalyst wrote, “Now his watch has ended. A man that left his foot prints in the sand of time. May the Lord keep all he left behind”.