Veteran filmmaker Opa Williams has paid tribute to late legendary actor Olu Jacobs, recalling the profound impact the screen icon had on his career and describing him as a “gentle giant” whose humility and humanity matched his towering reputation.
Williams, in a tribute titled “Rapture: A Tribute to a Gentle Giant,” recounted how Jacobs became part of Onome, his first Nollywood project, after he and his creative team approached the revered actor for a major role.
Key Highlights
- Opa Williams describes Olu Jacobs as a “gentle giant.”
- Williams recalls Jacobs’ humility and kindness on the set of Onome.
- Olu Jacobs reportedly made respect for cast and crew a condition for accepting the role.
- Jacobs played the role of Dafe Fregene in Onome.
- Williams says working with Jacobs became a defining experience in his career.
- Onome marked Olu Jacobs’ first Nollywood project, according to Williams.
- The filmmaker says Jacobs’ values continue to influence him.
- Opa Williams Recalls Olu Jacobs’ Impact on Nollywood
According to Williams, the decision to cast Jacobs followed the success of his earlier films, Tears for Love and Without Love, which he said were driven by a commitment to genuine storytelling and emotional narratives.
He recalled that the creative team, which included Keppy Ekpeyong, Fred Amata, Chico Ejiro and Edi Lawani, subjected their scripts to extensive conferences and reviews before taking them to the screen.
Williams said the team later developed Onome as a deeper exploration of devotion and carefully considered the actors who could best portray its characters.
For the role of Dafe Fregene, a benevolent philanthropist who rescues a dedicated waitress, Williams said Jacobs was the unanimous choice.
Olu Jacobs Initially Made Filmmakers Nervous
Williams admitted that the team was apprehensive about approaching Jacobs because of his distinguished career in classic filmmaking and his collaborations with internationally recognised actors.
“We set out to see him at his place on Awolowo Way in Ikeja,” Williams recalled.
According to the filmmaker, Jacobs listened patiently to their proposal but insisted on reading the screenplay before making a decision.
Williams said Chico Ejiro led the mission, while Keppy Ekpeyong helped facilitate the meeting with the veteran actor.
Olu Jacobs Put Respect for Cast and Crew First
Williams said Jacobs eventually accepted the role but made his position clear before discussions about his fee.
According to Williams, the actor insisted that every artist and crew member on the set must be treated with utmost respect.
Jacobs subsequently starred in Onome alongside Sam Loco Efe, Chris Erakpotobor and Uche Macaulay.
Williams said his fears about working with such a highly celebrated actor quickly disappeared once production began, as Jacobs demonstrated humility and concern for everyone on set.
“On set, Uncle Olu demonstrated a profound humility that completely stripped away every ounce of anxiety we had carried,” Williams said.
“He never complained. He never pressured anyone. He was always smiling, encouraging, and deeply concerned for the welfare of others before himself.”
Opa Williams Says Olu Jacobs Remained a Teacher
Williams described Jacobs as a soft-spoken and generous man whose conduct on the set provided lessons that extended beyond acting.
He said his encounter with the veteran actor became a defining experience in his career, adding that the values Jacobs demonstrated during the production continued to influence him.
“Then, I was a student; today, I am a teacher following his doctrine,” Williams said.
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The filmmaker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have worked with Jacobs and described his participation in Onome as an honour.
Williams also recalled that the film was Jacobs’ first Nollywood project.
“Uncle OJ Lives in My Heart Forever”
Concluding his tribute, Williams expressed lasting gratitude for the late actor’s influence on his career and life.
“Uncle OJ lives in my heart forever. Uncle OJ lives on,” Williams said.
For Williams, the legacy of Olu Jacobs extends beyond his celebrated performances, with his humility, generosity and respect for colleagues remaining important parts of the memory he left behind.
