Nollywood actors Sola Sobowale and Adebayo Salami have reflected on the influence and professionalism of late veteran actor Olu Jacobs, describing him as a mentor whose impact extended beyond his performances on screen.
The actors shared their memories of Jacobs, whose real name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, during a Night of Tribute held on Wednesday at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos.
Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
For Sobowale, the late actor’s greatest contribution to her career was not simply his presence in the Nigerian film industry, but the guidance he gave her as she developed as an actress.
The actress said audiences often praise her performances without knowing the person who helped shape her craft.
“When people see Sola Sobowale, they say she is a fantastic actor, but somebody trained me and Baba Olu Jacobs was that person who trained me,” she said, describing him as a man of knowledge, wisdom and selflessness.
Sobowale, widely recognised for her role as Toyin Tomato in Wale Adenuga’s Super Story, also recalled Jacobs’ distinctive way of correcting her whenever she brought problems to him.
“Anytime I bring my wahala, he has this, ‘Sola, No, No, No,’” she recalled, mimicking the familiar hand gesture associated with some of Jacobs’ movie roles.
She said the gesture often carried a deeper message of caution and advice, particularly when Jacobs was guiding someone he believed had potential.
Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, offered another glimpse into Jacobs’ character by recounting their first professional encounter in 1997.
Salami said he approached Jacobs after writing a film script titled Okunfa. After sending the script to Jacobs, he asked when he could visit him to discuss the project.
Rather than asking Salami to come to him, Jacobs reportedly replied, “Don’t worry, I will come,” and eventually visited him.
According to Salami, Jacobs read the script and offered two suggestions that substantially improved the project, demonstrating what he described as the actor’s professionalism and paternal nature.
“I must confess to you. That man (Jacobs) thought of things that didn’t cross my mind. He showed he was a father. He was a professional to the core,” Salami said.
He also appealed to Jacobs’ children to preserve their father’s legacy and ensure his name remains remembered.
The tribute event brought together Jacobs’ family, friends and colleagues, including Jide Kosoko, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Afeez Oyetoro, Norbert Young, Femi Adebayo and Funke Akindele, to honour his life and contribution to Nollywood.
