Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale has paid an emotional tribute to late veteran actor Olu Jacobs, crediting him with helping to shape her into the accomplished actress she is today.
Sobowale spoke on Wednesday at a Night of Tribute held in honour of Jacobs at the Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos, where family members, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic actor.
Jacobs, whose full name was Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84.
Reflecting on her journey in the Nigerian film industry, Sobowale said her success as an actress was not achieved alone, describing Jacobs as the man who trained, guided and nurtured her talent.
“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. Man of knowledge, wisdom and a selfless man,” she said.
The actress, popularly known as ‘Toyin Tomato’ following her memorable role in Wale Adenuga’s television series Super Story, recalled Jacobs’ characteristic way of correcting and advising her whenever she encountered challenges.
“Anytime I bring my wahala, he has this, ‘Sola, no, no, no,’” she said, while imitating the hand gesture often associated with the late actor’s screen roles.
For Sobowale, the gesture represented more than disapproval. It reflected Jacobs’ approach to mentoring, cautioning and guiding those he believed could do better.
Veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, also shared his memories of Jacobs, recalling their first encounter in 1997 while working on the movie Okunfa.
Salami said he had admired Jacobs from afar before deciding to send him the script of the film, which was eventually shot in Ilorin.
According to him, after receiving the script, he asked Jacobs when he could visit to discuss the project, but the late actor instead offered to come to him.
“Don’t worry, I will come,” Salami quoted Jacobs as saying, adding that the actor kept his word and visited him.
Salami said Jacobs’ contribution to the script significantly improved the project, recalling that the late actor brought ideas he had not considered.
“I must confess to you. That man thought of things that didn’t cross my mind. He showed he was a father. He was a professional to the core,” he said.
Salami also appealed to Jacobs’ children to preserve their father’s legacy and ensure that his name continues to be remembered by generations to come.
The Night of Tribute provided an opportunity for members of the entertainment industry to reflect on Jacobs’ decades-long contribution to Nigerian theatre, television and film.
Among those who attended the event were veteran actors Jide Kosoko, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Afeez Oyetoro, popularly known as Saka, Norbert Young, Femi Adebayo and Funke Akindele.