Veteran actor struggles to contain emotions as colleagues, family bid Ogogo farewell.
Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri broke down in tears on Monday while paying tribute to his late colleague and longtime friend, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, during an eight-day Fidau prayer held in the actor’s honour.
Quadri, who was among dignitaries who gathered to pray for the deceased and offer condolences to his family, became emotional while addressing Hassan’s wife, children and other members of the family.
In a video from the ceremony that circulated widely online, the veteran actor urged the bereaved family to put their trust in God as they come to terms with the loss of their loved one.
However, Quadri struggled to continue with his remarks midway through the address as emotions overwhelmed him.
Those around him quickly moved to comfort the visibly emotional actor before leading him away from the stage.
Quadri and Hassan had maintained a longstanding friendship and professional relationship spanning several years. The two actors worked together on a number of film productions and were regarded as prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, following a battle with stage-four cancer. His daughter announced his death during a live video, prompting an outpouring of grief from family members, friends, colleagues and fans.
The actor was buried the following day, with several colleagues from the Nigerian film industry attending the funeral to honour the deceased.
The subsequent Fidau prayer provided another opportunity for family, friends, colleagues and members of the wider community to remember Hassan and pray for the repose of his soul.
His death has continued to generate tributes across Nollywood, with colleagues and fans recalling his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and mourning the loss of a veteran whose career spanned decades.
For Quadri, who shared both a personal friendship and professional bond with Hassan, the Fidau ceremony became an especially emotional occasion as he joined others in bidding farewell to his longtime colleague.