Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has described the late veteran actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, as a national icon whose pioneering career on the international stage inspired generations of Nigerian actors.
Omokri, in a statement following the announcement of Jacobs’ death at the age of 84, said the late actor played a significant role in laying the foundation for the contemporary African film industry.
He said Jacobs broke international barriers long before Nollywood became a global phenomenon and brought pride to Nigerians through his performances in British television productions and international films.
“Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, better known as Olu Jacobs, was a National Icon and a source of pride for Nigeria, whose pioneering role as an international thespian inspired many of our countrymen and women and drew many of today’s stars into television and movie acting,” Omokri said.
Recalling his childhood memories, the ambassador-designate said Nigerians watched Jacobs feature in British television shows and international movies, noting that the actor received professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
“As children, we watched in awe as one of us starred in multiple British sitcoms and several global blockbuster movies,” he said, citing Jacobs’ appearance in the British television series, The Professionals.
Omokri also described Jacobs as one of the foundational figures of Nigeria’s modern film industry, placing him alongside his mentor, the late Chief Hubert Ogunde.
“Along with his mentor, the late great Chief Hubert Ogunde, he was the real Grand Old Man of Nollywood, having become a global star as far back as the seventies and early eighties,” he said.
He cited Jacobs’ appearances in international productions including The Dogs of War, in which he starred alongside Hollywood actor Christopher Walken, and Roman Polanski’s Pirates.
Omokri further said Jacobs’ humility had contributed to some people making claims to the title of Nollywood pioneer, but maintained that the actor’s body of work spoke for itself.
“Because of the modesty of Ogunde and Jacobs, and especially Mr Jacobs, who starred in hundreds of Nollywood movies, less deserving individuals have made pretences to their title of Nollywood Pioneers, but history makes their claims hollow,” he said.
Mourning the veteran actor, Omokri offered his condolences to Jacobs’ family, particularly his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their children.
“We pray that God Almighty grant the family he left behind succour, especially Auntie Joke Silva, his wife and fellow actor, and their children,” he said.
Omokri also expressed gratitude that Jacobs was honoured by the Nigerian government during his lifetime with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour.
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