Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwo, has paid an emotional tribute to the late legendary actor, Olu Jacobs, describing him as an “iconic” figure whose footprints would continue to be followed by generations.
Jacobs, one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, died at the age of 84 on September 16, 2026. His death was announced by his family, which described him as “The Lion of Lufodo.”
Mourning the veteran actor, Ozokwo in a tribute on her verified Facebook page said she had struggled to find the right words to capture the magnitude of his life, talent and contribution to the entertainment industry.
“I have searched for the right words to describe how ICONIC you were, but words have failed me. Trust me, I have tried over the last few days,” she wrote.
The actress asked how anyone could adequately describe the life and greatness of a man who, according to her, “left footprints so deep that generations will walk in them.”
“You came. You saw. You lived. You conquered.
“And oh, how you lived,” Ozokwo wrote.
She praised Jacobs for giving his talent, passion, laughter and strength to Nollywood, Nigeria and Africa, stressing that he was more than an actor or entertainer.
“You became a part of our memories, our stories, and our collective identity,” she said.
According to Ozokwo, Jacobs’ work often communicated beyond words, while his commanding presence on screen brought joy to audiences across generations.
“Your work spoke when words were not enough. Your presence lit up our screens. Your legacy will continue to speak long after the tears have dried,” she stated.
Expressing gratitude for the memories and countless moments of joy created by the late actor, Ozokwo said his contributions would remain unforgettable.
“Thank you for all you did for us. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the countless moments of joy. Thank you for giving us a piece of yourself that time can never take away.
“WE WILL NEVER FORGET,” she declared.
Ozokwo also prayed for God’s comfort and strength for Jacobs’ wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, his children, family, friends, colleagues and others mourning his death.
“May God give you all the strength and fortitude to bear this pain. May He comfort every heart that is broken and give peace to every soul that mourns,” she prayed.
Concluding her tribute, Ozokwo described Jacobs as a “GREAT LEGEND,” saying his earthly journey might have ended but his light would continue to shine through his body of work, legacy and the lives he touched.
“Go well, GREAT LEGEND.
“Your journey here may have come to an end, but your light will continue to shine through your work, your legacy, and the lives you touched.
“Sleep peacefully. Rest well. Until we meet again, to part no more,” she wrote.
Jacobs, whose career spanned more than five decades across theatre, television and film, was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and went on to become one of the defining figures of Nigerian cinema. He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
