‘Olu Jacobs trained me’, Sola Sobowale honours late veteran actor - Punch Newspapers
Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale heaped praises on late veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, populary know as Olu Jacobs, saying he trained her in the Nigerian movie industry. Sobowale disclosed this on Wednesday during the Night of Tribute held to honour the late veteran actor, at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos State. Jacobs died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs. Speaking on how people often appreciate her acting prowess without knowing how she became a household name on TV screens, she said, “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.” Speaking further, Sobowale, also known as ‘Toyin Tomato,’ depicting her character in the popular home TV series ‘Super Story’ produced by Wale Adenuga, recalled how Jacobs used to caution and advise her.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google “Anytime I bring my wahala, he has this, Sola, No, No, No,” she said, as she demonstrated the late actor’s famous hand gesture in movie scenes. Sobowale noted that his communication behind the hand gesture signals both caution and advice for someone who is intelligent. – ‘He showed he was a father’- In his remarks, another veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, popularly called ‘Oga Bello,’ also recalled some moments he had with Jacobs. The video, posted on Thursday by Naija Vibes on Instagram, captured Bello saying, “My first meeting with him was in 1997. I had been seeing him from afar, loved him a lot and then decided to put up a (movie) script titled ‘Okunfa.’ Nkechi Blessing, others mourn as Nollywood actor Cjay Nwokafor dies Nigeria@66: From resilience to enduring capability RMD urges citizens to stop condemning Nigeria “We shot the film in Ilorin in 1997.” Bello recalled that when he called Jacobs, the late veteran told him to send the script. Then, after sending the script to Jacobs, and asked when he should visit him (Jacobs) to further discuss on the script, the late veteran told him not to bother. “Don’t worry, I will come'” Bello quoted Jacobs as saying, adding, “And he came.” Bello stated that after going through the script, Jacobs gave two contributions to the script. “I must confess to you. That man (Jacobs) thought of things that didn’t cross my mind “He showed he was a father. He was a professional to the core,” Bello said. He implored the late veteran’s children to keep “immortalising his name, so we won’t forget him for life.” Family members, friends and members of the movie industry gathered to honour Jacobs, who is regarded as one the most talented Nigerian actors. Among those present were Jide Kosoko, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Afeez Oyetoro (Saka), Norbert Young, Femi Adebayo and Funke Akindele, among others. Olayiwola Ajisafe Ajisafe is a multimedia journalist and digital copy editor with over four years experience
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
