Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has paid tribute to the late Olu Jacobs, remembering him as a disciplined and highly accomplished actor whose professionalism, mentorship and command of his craft influenced generations of Nigerian performers.
Kanayo shared the reflections in an interview with BBC News Africa following Jacobs’ death at the age of 84 on September 16, 2026.
Jacobs’ family announced his death through a statement shared by his son, Olusoji Jacobs. The family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and asked members of the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to respect their privacy during the mourning period.
Kanayo Recalls Jacobs’ Professionalism
Reflecting on his years of working alongside Jacobs, Kanayo highlighted the late actor’s commitment to punctuality and professionalism on film sets.
He recalled that Jacobs was known for arriving ahead of scheduled call times and taking his responsibilities seriously.
Kanayo also remembered Jacobs as an actor who approached each scene with fresh energy and interpretation rather than simply repeating performances.
For colleagues who had the opportunity to work with him, Kanayo said Jacobs represented a high standard of acting that younger performers could learn from.
His recollections add to the tributes that have emerged across Nigeria’s entertainment industry since Jacobs’ death.
A Mentor to Younger Actors
Beyond his performances, Kanayo recalled Jacobs’ willingness to guide younger actors.
According to Kanayo, the veteran actor did not keep his experience to himself but was prepared to help emerging performers improve their skills and understanding of acting.
That mentoring role was particularly significant in an industry that expanded rapidly over the decades, as Nigerian film production developed from a relatively small sector into an internationally recognised creative industry.
Jacobs’ career crossed theatre, television and film, giving him experience in both British and Nigerian entertainment before he became one of the defining figures associated with Nollywood.
Kanayo Recalls Working With Jacobs
Kanayo also recalled appearing alongside Jacobs in a production filmed in Benin, where Jacobs played the role of a king and Kanayo portrayed his son, a prince.
The experience provided an opportunity for Kanayo to observe the veteran actor closely while working on the same production.
His recollection reflects the professional relationship that developed among actors of different generations as Nigeria’s film industry grew.
For Kanayo, Jacobs was not simply an established performer but an example of the level of preparation, discipline and interpretation that actors could aspire to.
Five Decades of Acting
Olu Jacobs built a career spanning more than five decades across theatre, television and film.
Born on July 11, 1942, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before working in British theatre and television. His international credits included appearances in British productions and films before he became a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
After returning to Nigeria, Jacobs became particularly recognised for roles involving traditional rulers, chiefs, fathers and other authoritative characters.
His distinctive voice and commanding presence helped make him one of the most recognisable actors of his generation.
He was also involved in the development of Nigeria’s creative industry outside acting. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.
Awards and National Recognition
Jacobs’ contribution to the arts earned him several major honours during his career.
He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007 and received the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The Nigerian government also conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR, in 2011.
His career therefore extended beyond individual film performances, encompassing theatre, television, film production and the training of younger talent.
Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor
Jacobs’ death has prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers, political leaders and other Nigerians.
Channels Television reported that several Nollywood personalities expressed grief and reflected on his influence, while President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute to the late actor.
The tributes have focused largely on Jacobs’ contribution to Nigerian culture and his influence on performers who came after him.
His death also marks the passing of one of the actors whose careers bridged Nigeria’s earlier theatre and television traditions with the modern Nollywood era.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Kanayo’s tribute places particular emphasis on an aspect of Jacobs’ career that extends beyond his filmography: the professional standards he demonstrated while working with other actors.
His punctuality, preparation and willingness to teach younger performers are part of the legacy colleagues have continued to associate with him following his death.
That legacy is significant within Nollywood, where experienced performers have played an important role in passing acting knowledge and professional practices to younger generations.
Jacobs’ influence can therefore be viewed not only through the number of productions in which he appeared, but also through the actors and creative professionals who worked with him.
What Happens Next
Jacobs’ family has asked the public to respect its privacy following his death.
As of the latest reports, funeral arrangements had not been publicly announced.
Meanwhile, tributes from colleagues such as Kanayo O. Kanayo continue to document the impact Jacobs had on Nigerian entertainment.
For an industry that has undergone enormous transformation during Jacobs’ lifetime, the memories being shared by fellow actors provide an account of the professional culture and standards associated with one of its most established performers.
Kanayo’s recollection of Jacobs as an actor who arrived prepared, interpreted roles afresh and helped younger performers develop their craft offers another perspective on the career of a man whose work stretched across generations of Nigerian cinema.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- BBC News Africa — interview with Kanayo O. Kanayo
- Olu Jacobs’ family statement
- Channels Television
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Punch Newspapers
- Pulse Nigeria
