Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed regret over missing the funeral of fellow Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs.
Jacobs was laid to rest on Friday, October 2, in Lagos, with family members, colleagues and other dignitaries gathering to honour the late actor.
Ozokwor, who is currently in Ghana, said contractual obligations prevented her from returning to Nigeria for the burial.
In a message shared on Instagram, the actress said she wished she could have been physically present to pay her final respects to Jacobs.
She extended her thoughts and prayers to those attending the funeral, while expressing hope that the ceremony would proceed peacefully and that Jacobs’ legacy would endure.
“Though I may not be there in person, please know that I am with you all in spirit,” Ozokwor wrote.
She described Jacobs as a great legend and ended her tribute with a message of farewell, saying, “Go well, great legend. Ga nke Oma. Until we meet to part no more.”
Tributes have continued to pour in for Jacobs from colleagues and public figures following his death.
Actor Chiwetalu Agu described him as more than an actor and a giant of the Nigerian film industry.
Actress Rita Dominic also honoured Jacobs, describing him as an icon and a gift to the industry, while recalling the opportunity to work with and learn from him.
Veteran actor Pete Edochie described Jacobs as his brother and remembered him as a humorous and peaceful person who “fought like a man and a soldier.”
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also mourned Jacobs, describing him as an embodiment of Nigerian excellence and praising his talent, discipline and dedication to his craft.
