Actress Toyosi Adesanya Remembers Late Actor Ogogo

Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has paid tribute to her late mentor, Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo. She described him as a symbol of simplicity and integrity who helped train many actors in Nigeria's film industry.

Adesanya arrived in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday for Ogogo's burial. She started her training under Ogogo in 1994 through the Yinka Quadri-led Odunfa Caucus.

Speaking to reporters in Ogogo's hometown, Adesanya shared that she spent 10 years learning from him and other experienced actors.

"My name is Toyosi Adesanya. I’m one of the proteges of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. I joined them in 1994 under 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. He was an epitome of simplicity. He trained me out of chance," she said.

Adesanya looked back at the tough training at Odunfa Caucus. She said she and other trainees spent many years learning under Ogogo.

"During my years of training at Odunfa Caucus, I went through a lot of training under Ogogo himself."

"Our rehearsals were on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 to 9 at Odunfa Caucus, number 40, Odunfa Street, Butemeta. We really enjoyed our time with my boss," she added.

The actress said she was heartbroken when she found out about Ogogo's health issues and his passing. She spoke with his daughters during this time.

"I have been devastated since last week when I was talking to his daughter, Shakirate, known as Kira, and Lolade Rashidat. I was not myself when I got the news about his cancer and health problem. All I can say is that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest," she said.

Adesanya remembered Ogogo as a mentor who cared for his trainees and colleagues like family.

"Ogogo is one in a million. We lovingly called him Sir T, Omo Abuguloko. I will never forget all he did for us."

"Whenever we had rehearsals, he treated everyone like his own children," she said.

She also recalled how Ogogo supported her when she made her first film in 2002. He stood by her along with actor Yinka Quadri.

"When I was producing my first movie in 2002, he stood by me alongside Alhaji Yinka Quadri," she said.

Adesanya said Ogogo greatly influenced many actors' careers.

"Ogogo was the one who paved the way for so many actors. Ogogo is loved. Everybody loves him," she said.

She remembered a moment during a trip to the burial of filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan, also known as Adelove, in January 1997. Women recognized Ogogo and celebrated him.

"I remember the day we were going for Adelove’s burial in January 1997. We stopped at Lalupon and saw some women coming around, singing Ogogo's praises. Everybody should know Ogogo, the fantastic actor, handsome man."

In closing, Adesanya said she will always remember Ogogo for his contributions to her career and the industry.

"I don’t want to talk too much. My late boss, rest in the bosom of Allah. We love you," she said.