Veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule has mourned the death of his longtime friend and colleague, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his passing as a painful loss that words cannot adequately express.
In a tribute shared on his official Instagram page Odule reflected on his nearly four-decade relationship with the late actor, saying their friendship began when they were young men and eventually developed into a deep brotherhood.
“Taiwo, this is a loss that no words I put out can adequately describe.
“My dear friend and brother of nearly 40 years. Ours was one of those friendships that life just blesses one with. When we met as young men trying to navigate life, who between us would have thought we would form a bond that would last for decades and turn friends into brothers?” Odule wrote.
The veteran actor also shared nostalgic videos on his Instagram Stories, capturing memorable moments he shared with Ogogo, including clips of the two friends dancing at social gatherings.
Odule reflected on Ogogo’s contribution to Nigerian theatre and his roots in Ilaro, Ogun State, celebrating the late actor’s artistic legacy and the relationships he built throughout his career.
He noted the widespread grief following Ogogo’s death, as fans, colleagues and residents of his hometown gathered to honour his memory.
Odule also spoke about the personal void created by Ogogo’s passing, recalling the close bond he shared with the late actor and fellow veteran Yinka Quadri.
“I will miss you a lot, Taiwo. I will miss the happiness you always exude. Who will Yinka and I banter with now?” he wrote.
He added, “You won’t be here to remind me that you are my big brother. You have left Yinka to continue that with me. We will both miss the brotherhood we shared for years.
“Your departure has left a space that cannot be filled. Even the whole world knows that we didn’t just lose our colleague. We lost a brother.”
Odule ended his tribute with a prayer for the late actor.
“Rest well, my brother. You will never be forgotten. May the Almighty Allah accept your good deeds and grant you Al-Jannah Firdaus,” he wrote.
The tribute followed Ogogo’s burial in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, in accordance with Islamic rites. Odule was among several Nollywood personalities who attended the funeral to pay their final respects.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, following a battle with stage-four cancer. His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, fans and prominent figures across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
