Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has paid tribute to late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing him as a mentor who played a major role in shaping her acting career.
Adesanya spoke on Monday when she arrived in Ilaro, Ogun State, for the burial of the veteran actor, who died at the age of 66.
The actress revealed that she began her training under Ogogo in 1994 through the Odunfa Caucus, led by veteran actor Yinka Quadri.
According to her, she spent about 10 years undergoing rigorous training under Ogogo and other senior practitioners before establishing herself in the industry.
“My name is Toyosi Adesanya. I’m one of the protégés of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo. I joined them in 1994 under the auspices of Alhaji Yinka Quadri, Alhaji Abbey Lanre and Alhaji Araosan.
“I trained for 10 years at Odunfa Caucus. My late boss was a man of integrity and an epitome of simplicity. He trained me out of chance,” she said.
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Recalling her time at the Odunfa Caucus, Adesanya said rehearsals were held several times a week, where aspiring actors were exposed to intensive training.
“During my years of training at Odunfa Caucus, I underwent a lot of training under the tutelage of Ogogo himself.
“Our rehearsals were on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7 to 9 at Odunfa Caucus, number 40, Odunfa Street, Ebute Meta. We really enjoyed our stay with my boss,” she said.
Adesanya also recalled how Ogogo supported her when she produced her first movie in 2002.
She said the late actor, alongside Yinka Quadri, stood by her during the early stage of her filmmaking career.
“When I was producing my first movie in 2002, he stood by me alongside Alhaji Yinka Quadri,” she said
Describing Ogogo as a major influence in the Yoruba film industry, the actress said he helped create opportunities for several practitioners.
“Ogogo was the one who paved the way for so many actors. Ogogo is loved. Everybody loves him,” she said.
Adesanya further described her late mentor as a father figure who treated trainees and colleagues with care.
“Ogogo is one in a million. We fondly call him Sir T, Omo Abuguloko, and I will never forget all his efforts.
“Whenever we had rehearsals, he treated everybody like his own children,” she said.
The actress said she was deeply saddened by Ogogo’s illness and death, noting that she had remained in contact with some of his daughters during his final days.
“I have been devastated since last week when I was talking to his daughter, Shakirate, popularly known as Kira, and Lolade Rashidats. I was not myself when I received the news of his cancer and health problem.
“All I can say is that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest,” she said.
Adesanya also recalled an encounter during a trip to the burial of veteran filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Adelove, in January 1997.
She said Ogogo’s popularity was evident when some women recognised him during a stopover in Lalupon and celebrated the actor.
Concluding her tribute, Adesanya prayed for the repose of Ogogo’s soul, saying she would continue to remember his impact on her career and the Nigerian film industry.
“My late boss, rest in the bosom of Allah. We love you,” she said.
Tribune Online reports that Ogogo died at 3pm on Sunday, aged 66, after battling stage-four cancer.
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