“Ogogo is my ‘small god’” — Aina Gold

​Veteran actor and real estate mogul, Aina Gold, has described legendary actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as his “small god” in the Nigerian film industry, recounting the selfless mentorship that paved the way for his successful career.

​In an emotional tribute that has since gone viral, Gold shared a rare insight into the bond between him and the Ilaro-born veteran, noting that Ogogo took him under his wing at a time when many would have viewed him as a threat due to their striking physical resemblance.

​“Surprisingly, it’s been a while since we saw each other, but Alhaji Taiwo Hassan—he doesn’t know what I’m about to say right now,” Gold began. “For someone to pick me, because we almost have the same stature and height, and then decide, ‘I really want to train and bring this person up…’ In this industry, you’d think twice about that.”

​Gold explained that in the competitive world of acting, established stars often fear that grooming a look-alike would lead to being replaced or abandoned by producers. However, he maintained that Ogogo was a “good man” who never harbored such insecurities.

​“He never thought that way. That’s why if Alhaji calls me for anything or invites me to his hometown, I’ll always answer,” he said.

​The actor also extended his gratitude to the “Chairman” of the industry, Alhaji Yinka Quadri, for providing the leadership structure that allowed such mentorship to flourish. According to Gold, the synergy between Quadri, who was then Chairman, and Hassan, who served as Vice-Chairman, was the bedrock of his growth.

​“If the Chairman didn’t support what the Vice-Chairman was doing, it wouldn’t have been possible. They are both good-hearted human beings who look out for other people’s progress,” Gold noted.

​Beyond the silver screen, Gold also revealed a deep-rooted personal connection to the Ilaro monarch, the Olu of Ilaro, whom he described as his former roommate and schoolmate from their days at Yaba College of Technology.

​Concluding his tribute, the real estate giant expressed his eternal gratitude to the duo, stating, “I’m still grateful to God for the part He sent them to play in my life and in the Yoruba Nollywood Industry.”