This iconic photo, taken over three decades ago, captures three legendary pillars of Yoruba cinema—Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, and Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan—at the dawn of what would become the Yoruba wing of Nollywood.
All three are founding members of the Odunfa Caucus, a powerful theatre group and training ground established in 1986 by Yinka Quadri in the Ebute Metta East area of Lagos Mainland. What began as a theatre troupe and acting academy soon evolved into a defining force in the Yoruba movie industry.
For years, Odunfa Caucus has nurtured and produced some of Nollywood’s finest stars, including Saheed Balogun, Fathia Balogun, Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, and Aina Gold, among others. Two other industry powerhouses closely associated with the caucus are director Abiodun “Abbey Lanre” Olanrewaju and screenwriter Abiola Hughes.
What started as a brotherhood of passion and discipline became a legacy—one that continues to shape Yoruba storytelling today.
Photo Source: Dele Odule – Instagram