By Segun Adebayo
As the entertainment industry continues to mourn the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, his longtime friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, has described their decades-long relationship as one that was “divinely ordained.”
Quadri made this known in a lengthy tribute to Ogogo shared on his social media platform obtained by PerSecondNews, where he reflected on their friendship, professional journey and the experiences they shared over the years.
The veteran actor said his relationship with Ogogo went beyond their careers in theatre and film, describing the late actor as a brother whose presence remained significant throughout different stages of his life.
“My relationship with Ogogo was divinely ordained. It was not something that just happened by chance. There was a reason God brought us together,” Quadri said.
Quadri recalled how he and Ogogo spent decades working together and navigating the challenges of the Yoruba theatre and film industry, saying their bond endured through different phases of their careers.
He said their relationship was strengthened by years of shared experiences both on and off the screen, adding that their friendship could not be defined merely by their professional association.
“We have been together for a very long time. We have gone through a lot together, and we have seen different stages of our lives and careers. That kind of relationship is deeper than just being colleagues,” he said.
Quadri also paid tribute to Ogogo’s contribution to Yoruba theatre and cinema, describing him as an important figure whose talent and presence helped shape the industry.
“Ogogo was not just my friend. He was my brother. We shared so many things together, and there are memories that I will continue to carry with me,” he said.
The actor said the passage of time and the evolution of the entertainment industry could not diminish the significance of the bond they shared, adding that their journey was part of a larger story that brought several influential Yoruba actors together.
“When God brings people together, there is always a purpose. You may not understand it at the beginning, but as time goes on, you begin to see why certain people came into your life,” Quadri said.
Quadri and Ogogo were prominent figures in the Yoruba theatre tradition and were associated with the Odunfa Caucus, a theatre group credited with playing a significant role in the development of Yoruba cinema.
Reflecting on their years together, Quadri said the memories and experiences they shared would remain with him despite Ogogo’s death.
“I thank God for the relationship we had. I will always remember him, the things we did together and the experiences we shared. Some relationships are simply beyond human explanation,” he said.