The Present House church in Lekki on Friday was graced with a rare, sacred spendour. A gathering of who is who in Nollywood, veterans, directors, producers, and screen icons; had filled the venue to pay their final, heartfelt respects to a titan of our screen, Uncle Olu Jacobs.
Stepping into the hall, one was immediately struck by the visual tribute: the entire auditorium was awash in all shades of green.
From emerald runners to olive floral arrangements and sage green ribbons draped across the pews, every corner radiated a vibrant, living tribute to celebrate a life profoundly well-lived and an enduring legacy that refuses to fade.
The service commenced with solemn hymns. The atmosphere shifted into deeply personal realms as Uncle Olu’s children stepped forward to read scriptures, followed by one of his sons delivering a moving recitation of his legendary biography, a testament not just to a great career, but to a devoted father and patriarch.
Officiating the service, Tony Rapu, Senior Pastor of House Of Freedom and founder of This Present House, mounted the pulpit. With characteristic warmth and spiritual depth, he anchored the congregation in reflection:
‘To succeed with people, you have to understand where they are coming from and align yourself with them. Same way, to succeed with God, we have to understand God’s perspective. This funeral service is such a precious moment before God.’
Reading from Philippians 1:24, Pastor Tony reminded the audience that being absent from the body is to be present with God, noting that dying is much like sleeping, an inevitable passage for the human race unless the Lord tarries.
‘Death reminds us of the journey of life and the meaning of our existence,’ he reflected, his voice carrying across the sea of green.
‘Olu worked with Christ. His strength and fortitude tell it all. Uncle Olu has gone home. Uncle Olu died in the Lord. Home is where we came from. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we make heaven our home. I look forward to seeing Uncle Olu again. They rest from their labour.’