Popular Nigerian actor Hafiz Oyetoro, better known as Saka, has recounted how veteran actor Jide Kosoko initially questioned his ability to convincingly portray a lawyer in a movie.
Saka revealed that Kosoko’s doubts arose while they were working on a film produced by veteran actor Dele Odule, with Kosoko serving as the director.
Speaking during an interview with African A-List, Saka said Odule had specifically selected him for the lawyer role, but Kosoko was unconvinced after seeing him sitting quietly on the set.
According to the actor, Kosoko asked Odule whether he had found someone capable of playing the lawyer, prompting Odule to point at Saka.
“Mr Dele Odule wanted to make a film and he cast me in a role. Uncle Jide Kosoko was the director,” Saka recalled.
He said Kosoko initially rejected the idea after Odule identified him as the actor chosen for the role.
“Uncle Jide asked Dele Odule if he had found someone to play the lawyer role. Dele Odule said he had found someone who will play it well. Uncle Jide asked again and Dele Odule pointed at me.
“Uncle Jide saw me sitting there quietly and helpless. They argued for a while. Uncle Jide said no, but Dele insisted. Reluctantly, Uncle Jide agreed to let me do it.”
Saka said the situation changed once filming began, as he delivered his performance to Kosoko’s satisfaction.
He recalled that Kosoko later summoned him to his room after filming and explained why he had initially opposed his casting.
“When I got on set, I delivered. After we wrapped at night, Uncle Jide called for me. I went to his room and he asked if I was angry. He explained he didn’t know my capability because of how quietly I had been sitting,” he said.
The experience, Saka’s account suggests, became a turning point in Kosoko’s perception of his acting ability, with his performance ultimately speaking louder than his reserved demeanour on set.
