Reno Omokri Mourns Olu Jacobs, Hails Him as National Icon and Grand Old Man of Nollywood
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.
As children, we watched in awe as one of us starred in multiple British sitcoms and several global blockbuster movies, after his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which first led him into theatre and from the stage to the silver screen, including a stint in the runaway British TV hit series, The Professionals, amongst many others. He had no contemporaries amongst his fellow citizens in this regard—absolutely none!
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, with such movie credits as the Dogs of War, in which he started with the respected Christopher Walken (pictured), himself once a Bond Villain, as well as featuring in a Roman Polanski film, Pirates.
He also gladdened the hearts of many fans through his many commercials and adverts, which are now classics and bring up fond nostalgia.
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.
We will miss this great African who has passed into ancestor-hood at the great age of 84. We pray that God Almighty grant the family he left behind succour, especially Auntie Joke Sylvia, his wife and fellow actor, and their children.
A grateful nation will miss Mr Jacobs, who, thankfully, got the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) title in his lifetime.
Adieu, great sir. Until we meet to part no more.
Bemigho Reno Omokri
