AMPRAC Mourns Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs

Comrade Ifeanyi Azodo, AMPRAC President

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In the statement signed by AMPRAC President, Ifeanyi Azodo, the association described Sir Olu Jacobs as “far more than an accomplished actor. He was an institution, a mentor, a master of his craft, and one of the distinguished pioneers whose remarkable artistry helped shape the Nigerian film industry into what it is today.”

The tribute highlighted Jacobs’ commanding presence, remarkable diction, and extraordinary ability to breathe life into characters, which earned him admiration across generations of practitioners and audiences both in Nigeria and beyond.

Azodo noted that Jacobs’ contribution to Nollywood and the wider African creative industry cannot be measured merely by the number of roles he played, but by the lasting influence he had on the profession and on the many actors and filmmakers who drew inspiration from his work.

“Sir Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs may have taken his final bow, but the curtain will never truly close on a legacy of this magnitude,” the statement read.

AMPRAC extended its deepest condolences to Jacobs’ family, friends, colleagues, admirers, and the entire Nigerian creative community, praying for strength and comfort to bear the irreplaceable loss.

The message concluded with a solemn reflection: “May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory remain a blessing to us all.”

In similar vein, the Delta State Branch Chairman of the Association and star movie actor cum producer, Chuma Mmeka has made available to NewsX a solemn dirge by him in respect of his fallen senior colleague. Titled "A Dirge for Legendary Olu Jacobs", the full text of the message is captured below.

Late Olu Jacobs (lL) and Actor/Poet Chuma Mmeka (R)

Today, my heart is not merely heavy—it is shattered.

I doubted the cruel whispers that flew across the wind. I refused to believe that the mighty lion had gone. I waited, hoping it was another false tale, until the painful truth came from the lips of his own family. Then silence swallowed my soul.

Olu Jacobs... the oak has fallen.

How does one mourn a man who taught generations how greatness walks? 

How do I write farewell to the only role model my artistic heart ever truly embraced?

Long before Nollywood became my home, you and the late Pal Akalaonu first opened the doors of television to me in the 1980s. 

You planted a seed in a young dreamer without knowing the mighty tree it would become.

Olu Jacobs (Left), Chuma Mmeka (Right) and a colleague (Center)

When destiny finally welcomed me into Nollywood in 2015, you became the first superstar I ever stood beside before the camera. What an honour! What a blessing! Your words of recommendation became keys that unlocked doors I could never have opened alone.

I borrowed a few of your habits, admired your discipline, your calmness, your dignity, and your unmistakable excellence. We stayed in touch through the years, until illness slowly stole your strength and memory from the world that adored you.

But it could never steal your legacy.
Sleep now, great thespian.
Sleep, master of the stage and screen.
Sleep, father of countless dreams.

Your voice may have gone quiet, but your performances will continue to echo through generations yet unborn.

To the Jacobs family, I share in your grief. But please, do not let your tears become an endless river. The man you loved has gone where pain cannot follow, where age cannot weaken, and where memory never fades. 

Heaven has received a legend.

Farewell, my mentor.
Farewell, my inspiration.
Farewell, Legendary Olu Jacobs.
Your curtain has fallen on earth, but eternity has risen to applaud you.

Rest in perfect peace sir.