Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has paid tribute to her late mentor and veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing him as a man of integrity, simplicity and a major force who paved the way for many practitioners in the Nigerian film industry.
Adesanya, who arrived in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday for Ogogo’s burial, said she began her acting training in 1994 under the Yinka Quadri-led Odunfa Caucus, where she spent about 10 years learning from Ogogo and other senior practitioners.
Speaking with journalists in Ogogo’s hometown, she recalled the late actor’s dedication to mentoring young talents and described him as an exceptional man who treated his trainees and colleagues like members of his family.
“My late boss was a man of integrity. He was an epitome of simplicity. He trained me out of chance,” she said.
Adesanya said rehearsals at the Odunfa Caucus were held several times a week, giving trainees the opportunity to receive extensive practical training under experienced actors.
She also recalled Ogogo’s support when she produced her first movie in 2002, noting that he stood by her alongside veteran actor Yinka Quadri.
Reflecting on his influence in the industry, she said, “Ogogo was the one who paved the way for so many actors. Ogogo is loved. Everybody loves him.”
The actress said she was devastated by news of Ogogo’s health challenges and eventual death, adding that she remained in contact with his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, during his illness.
She recalled several fond memories of her mentor, including an incident in 1997 when they travelled for the burial of veteran filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Adelove. According to her, people recognised Ogogo during a stopover and enthusiastically celebrated the actor.
Adesanya described Ogogo as “one in a million,” adding that she would never forget his contributions to her career and the Nigerian film industry.
“Rest in the bosom of Allah. We love you,” she said.
Other Nollywood veterans, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Ireti Osayemi and Bisi Omo Logbalogba, also arrived in Ilaro on Monday for the burial, alongside members of Ogogo’s family and other well-wishers.
Ogogo died at the age of 66 on Sunday at about 3 p.m., according to a burial announcement by veteran actor Jide Kosoko. His remains were taken to Ilaro for a lying-in-state ceremony, while the Ilaro Muslim Community announced that the burial prayer would be held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground.
His death came days after his daughters appealed for medical assistance for him following his battle with stage-four cancer.
Ogogo was one of the most prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he featured in hundreds of films and became one of the most recognisable faces in the Nigerian film industry.
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