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Alhaji (Chief) Al-Hassan Taiwo Babatunde, widely known as Ogogo, is a celebrated actor who has made significant contributions to Nigerian cinema. In an engaging interview with Abu-Satar Hamed and Peter Olaniyan, the Nollywood veteran opens up about his rise in the industry, memorable roles, international tours, and real estate business in Ilaro. Explore his inspiring story.
How did your career as an actor begin?
My journey started in Ebute Meta, Lagos, with a neighborhood theater group. We later went our separate ways, and I began training with Ademola Fabunmi around 1985 while working at the Lagos State Water Corporation. I attended theater lessons in the evenings.
By 1988, the video film scene had emerged, with films being shown in cinemas on festive days and weekends. That’s when we formed the Oodua group, gaining friends like Yinka Quadri and Rasaq Ajao.
Apart from Ademola Fabunmi, who do you look up to as a role model?
Ade Love was a major inspiration; he was a versatile television actor in the early ’70s, skilled in many instruments and a friend of my mentor. Another influential figure was Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), who urged me to expand my range beyond chanting roles. This advice led me into modern acting.
What’s your relationship with Yinka Quadri?
I have many friends in the industry, but Yinka Quadri and I are especially close since we’re part of the same group. Dele Odule, who’s from Ogun State like me, is also a good friend. I have childhood friends too, like Idowu Adetunji (Akara), Kamordeen Ambali (Sir Kay), and Abiodun Jamiu (Kakawa). In 1994, Sir Kay gave up his room for me during a tough time, and I stayed there for over a year.
What was it like during the early days of video films?
Back then, video films felt like advanced stage plays. We’d screen them at City Spot Hotel in Ebute-Meta and Lisabi Hall. My boss, the late Leke Ajao, introduced us to performing theater after FESTAC-77, and we began using the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu.
What was the title of your first movie?
My first film was Agbo-Meji, released in 1989. Tunde Kelani, or ‘TK,’ directed and filmed it over two months. I was also part of the Oodua Theatre Group and earned the nickname ‘Olohun-Iyo’ for my skill in chanting praises.
Which movie do you remember most vividly?
My 1992 film The Wicked Boy went viral. But I also fondly remember playing Owolabi in Owo-Blow, which was released three years later. The audition for Owo-Blow took months, and though many were considered, I ultimately got the role. I was also the coordinator for Ayesoro and played parts in Kabiesi Eledunmare and Idajo-Olorun, both of which I produced.
Are you involved in other businesses besides acting?
Yes, I ventured into real estate. Initially, I became an ambassador for Sweet Estate in Abeokuta, Ogun State. They had 150 acres in Ilaro, and this inspired me to create my own Ogogo Royal Estate in partnership with Sweet Estate.”
Where is your estate located, and how much is a plot?
The estate is in Sarumi along the Ilaro-Oja-Odan road, just seven minutes drive from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. A plot currently costs N1.2 million, but the price will rise to N5 million once we finish fencing.
When did you launch your real estate brand?
Ogogo Royal Estate officially launched on October 24, 2022, the same day I received the chieftaincy title of Otun-Mayegun of Ilaro-Yewa from Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland.
What Advice do you have for those who want to go into real estate business?
For those entering real estate businesses, I advise you to be honest in their business practices and uphold integrity and sincererity.
Can you tell us about your recent travels to Canada?
I frequently go on tours; I’ve been to the US, UK, Dubai, and other African countries. Last year (2023), my mentee Oye Odumeru encouraged me to visit Canada, where many fans awaited me. My journey took me from Lagos to Addis Ababa, then Italy, and finally Canada. Immigration held us briefly as I had a business visa instead of a visitor visa, but after I asked them to Google my name and my work, they let us in.
How long did you stay in Canada?
We spent sixteen days there and enjoyed every moment. The return to Nigeria was smoother and quicker than our journey out.
Who is Alhaji (Chief) Al-Hassan Taiwo Babatunde?
I am an indigene of Ilaro in Yewa South, Ogun State, born on October 31, 1959. My father died when I was eleven, and I moved to Lagos, to live with my brother. I attended Christ Church School in Ilaro, and then, in Lagos, Local Authority School in Surulere and Gasikia College. Although I didn’t graduate, I attended technical college and worked for thirteen years as an Automobile Engineer with the Lagos State Water Corporation.
Editor’s Note:
A Legacy of Dedication
Alhaji Al-Hassan Taiwo Babatunde, known as Ogogo, remains a respected figure in Nigerian entertainment. Through his work in real estate and a career shaped by resilience and strong mentorship, Ogogo estabishes an enduring legacy for the next generation of actors and entrepreneurs.
