Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed deep sadness over her inability to attend the funeral of legendary actor Olu Jacobs, citing contractual obligations that kept her in Ghana.
Jacobs, one of Nigeria’s most respected thespians, was laid to rest on Friday, October 2, 2026, following a funeral service at This Present House Church on Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
He d!ed on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84 after a prolonged battle with dementia with Lewy bodies. The private burial followed a Night of Tributes held earlier in the week at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island.
In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram page, Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, said it pained her not to be physically present in Nigeria to pay her last respects.
“It hurts my heart that I am not physically present in Nigeria today to pay my last respects to the great legend, Olu Jacobs. I would give anything to be there right now, but contractual obligations will not allow me to,” she wrote.
The actress added that her thoughts and prayers were with the family, friends and colleagues gathered to honour the late icon. “My heart and thoughts are with you all. I pray everything goes peacefully and that his remarkable legacy lives on. Though I may not be there in person, please know that I am with you all in spirit.”
Ozokwor concluded her tribute with a farewell: “Rest well, great legend. Your legacy will forever remain. Go well, great legend. Ga nke Oma. Until we meet to part no more.”
The funeral service attracted family members, including Jacobs’ widow, veteran actress Joke Silva, and their sons, as well as prominent figures from the entertainment industry and public life. Among those present were Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos First Lady Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and several Nollywood colleagues.
Jacobs, born Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs on July 11, 1942, enjoyed a distinguished career spanning theatre, British television, international films and Nollywood. He was widely regarded as a foundational figure in the Nigerian film industry and received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Ozokwor’s explanation has drawn understanding from fans and industry observers, many of whom acknowledged the demands of professional commitments while noting the emotional weight of missing such a significant farewell to a fellow veteran.
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