Today, October 2, 2026, The Great Lion of Lufodo, Elder OLUDOTUN BAIYEWUN JACOBS MFR, saunters majestically to his resting place. And after all the ‘Lala-koko-fefe’ of this vain world, here is wishing him journey mercies and a perfect peaceful rest.
My name is Taiwo Ajai-Lycett.
Olu Jacobs and I go … way back. Pure fortuitous serendipity brought us together. And I was privileged to be his friend, and professional colleague, who had shared together, some breathtakingly sweet memories, some not quite so pleasant, and some heartbreakingly sad ones as well.
Straight off the bat, please allow me to pose a question. I don’t know about you, but have you ever noticed, how your career, or life, may have been influenced by chance encounters, by putting yourself in certain situations, or scenarios which increased your windows of opportunity?
Over the years, I have become increasingly fascinated not by luck, nor free-ranged accident, but by Serendipity – a circumstance which explores how we can actually design, all be it, unconsciously, the opportunities for beneficial ‘chance encounters’.
When I heard of his passing, my mind went to an end-of-production party at his London flat, many moons ago. But more specifically, came to mind, our actual first meeting in London, in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s, I think, when I showed up for a Workshop at the famous Actors’ Studio in Central London, run by an American.
As I found a seat and sat down, the American director, whose name now eludes me, clicked his fingers; the stage lights blazed … and there
standing centre stage, was a towering young African, declaiming lines, in a booming, resonant, magnificent baritone cadence, if I remember correctly, “Vanity Fair” … by William Makepeace Thackeray.
That Actor was our OLU Jacobs, the nascent, Lion of Lufodo! There he was, a smouldering megawatt smile, coolly playing mischievously across his lips introducing the audience to a … vain foolish place … full of pretensions… a world where everyone was striving for what was not worth having … in a vain quest for … social advancement.
Wait a minute!… Doesn’t that remind you of the idle La-La-Land delusional preoccupation of our own people, and … society?
It was intriguing that we were two Nigerian actors … both professionally UK-trained, joining America’s famous Actors Studio, at that very moment in time. But I sometimes felt somehow subtly patronised – like we didn’t quite belong there.
However, there was no defensiveness or so-called ‘chips on their shoulders’ nonsense on our part, because … HEY! We had so much chutzpah, bucketful of natural African effortless swagger, and … flair, to turn heads, didn’t we?!!!.
Besides, it wasn’t for nothing we both came from God’s own country, Nigeria – Mother Africa’s culture centre … and both luminous graduates respectively, of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama – two elite drama schools in Britain! Together, we were … “rude for life” and – a BIG DEAL indeed!!! So I concluded, goodness me … “I’ve just got myself, a new best friend!”
Yes. It was a joy to meet, back in the day, someone with as much verve and fire, as OLU. He used also to call me, affectionately, “Tai-Tai!” – obviously thinking he was the older of the two of us. I suppose it was altogether quite possible that the pair of us, might have had a ridiculous chemistry on stage .. and off – communicating in quick glances, rolling eyes, silly faces, and elbow nudges…
Two evening ago, we celebrated the milestones in the life of one of our greatest thespians and cultural ambassadors… Now, here we are today, laying him to eternal rest.
His birth place, the settings of his acting career … the compelling influences that had helped to create his characters, plots, and legacy … were international, and essentially here … in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That makes me proud… as indeed we both were passionately proud of where we came from … even if it was sometimes a problem.
In an age of ratcheted celebrity and Instagram … OLU Jacobs, a thorough-bred and seasoned performer, writer, producer, director and entrepreneur that he was, built a professional armour of work and peerless accomplishments. He was without a doubt, an actor of indisputable majesty and royal pedigree. And one would be hard put to object to his casting as … IGWE”.
I guess the real point of these perorations on life or indeed, death, is that, this is all transitory.
As in Thackeray’s “Vanity Fair”, where I think I first encountered OLU Jacobs, I imagine we all know, and pretend, that in the end, our goals are pointless … and the things we want are things …that don’t really matter … even if we get them.
I believe that there’s something really beautiful, and I think pathetically noble, about saying, “I don’t know what any of this means”… We are all just little hapless, helpless, clueless creatures … trying our best. Or as Thackeray would say: “Come children, Let us shut up the box and the puppets, for our play is played out.”…
And now, OLU’s play has played out.
And According to the American Poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” …Apparently. And I tend to agree with him.
So, OLU, we thank God for the gift of your life, and for allowing us the honour of sharing the journey with you.
And to all who celebrated the great Lion of Lufodo, I say, ‘Thank you’.
No matter the distance or direction your life is heading from this special farewell to Olu Jacobs, remember to make your own journey count as well.
Ajoke, I see you. I feel you. Pele. Oku Suru. Oku amumora. Oku ara fe’ra Ku. May the God of all comforts, comfort you, my dear, in these difficult times, as no human can.
Olusoji and Olugbenga – The Royal Heirs Apparent of Lufodo – eku ilede Baabaa! God bless, keep and continue to guide you.
To you, Oludotun, aburo mi owon … So long!
Odi gbere… Od’arina ko… Ode tun d’oju ala.
Tai-Tai” here, saying Good night.
Omo Akin … Sun re o!!!
**Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (TAL) OON, FSONTA, FU3A is a veteran actor.
