Veteran actor Dele Odule has paid an emotional tribute to his late colleague and longtime friend, Taiwo Hassan, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss.
In an Instagram post, Odule said words could not fully capture the pain of losing Hassan, whom he described as a brother of nearly 40 years.
He recalled how they met as young men trying to find their footing in life and how that meeting blossomed into a bond that lasted for decades.
Odule described Hassan as a down-to-earth, free-spirited man who loved wholeheartedly, was loyal, generous, and always ready to stand by those he cared about.
He noted that Hassan had a rare ability to connect with people regardless of tribe, religion, or background.
On Hassan’s career, Odule hailed him as a legend of the Yoruba theatre who carried the craft on his shoulders with pride.
He acknowledged Hassan’s contributions to theatre, the actors he mentored, and the legacy he left behind, saying these would be remembered for generations.
The actor said that since news of Hassan’s passing was announced on Sunday, he had watched the entire nation mourn.
He noted tributes from colleagues, young fans sharing Hassan’s roles online, and the people of Ilaro trooping out to honour their son.
He said the widespread outpouring gave him some comfort, as it showed how deeply loved and respected Hassan was.
Odule, however, said he would personally miss Hassan’s presence, his humour, and the brotherhood they shared with Yinka Quadri.
He stated that Hassan’s departure had left a void that could not be filled.
He concluded with prayers, asking Almighty Allah to accept Hassan’s good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, adding that he would never be forgotten.
Odule wrote, ‘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? I cherish every single bit of that time.
‘My brother was a genuinely down-to-earth, free-spirited man. When Taiwo loved you, he loved you wholeheartedly. Always loyal, generous and ever ready to stand by the people he cared about. Doesn’t matter what your tribal or religious inclinations are, or even your background at all. God gave him an incredible ability to connect with people.’
‘Ogogo the actor! Action man! Deeply rooted in the game. A legend. A proud Yewa Yoruba man. Carried this craft on his back with pride. The contributions you made to theatre, the successful people you nurtured, the legacies you left behind. All of these will be talked about for ages.
‘Since your passing was announced on Sunday, up until the point you were put in the ground, I have, with my own eyes, witnessed the entire nation mourn you. I have watched even young people carry on your legacy in the roles you played. I have seen our colleagues pay tribute after tribute. I have seen the entire Ilaro show their love for their son. I have watched the whole world celebrate your life, and it gives me comfort to be reminded of how deeply loved and respected you were. As it should be.
‘But I will miss you a lot, Taiwo. I will miss the happiness you always exuded. Who will Yinka and I banter with now? 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.
‘You have lived your life and left an indelible mark. Sugbon, a se eyi o wu ni Olorun Oba. May the Almighty Allah accept your good deeds and grant you Al-Jannah Firdaus. Rest well, my brother. You will never be forgotten.’