Veteran, Yinka Quadri’s Son Spills on His Father’s Relationship With His Two Wives and Many Children

Veteran actor, Yinka Quadri, 58, is a popular Yoruba actor who has produced, written and featured in several Nollywood movies over the years but was smart enough to keep his big family out of the limelight until now.

In a recent interview with PUNCH newspaper, Muyiwa, the 6th child of the veteran made interesting revelations about his father, from his relationship with his two wives and children to how he (Yinka Quadri) has impacted his life.

Read excerpts below:

Tell us about yourself?

I am from Oro in Kwara State. I am also into acting. I am the sixth of my father’s children. I hold a National Diploma in Business Administration from a private polytechnic in Offa, Kwara State. I am planning to further my education.

What childhood memories can you recall growing up with your father?

The childhood memory I can remember vividly was when we watched the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan final together. Brazil played Germany in the final and won the tournament by two goals to nil.

Your father is an actor. Did he encourage any of his children to pursue a career in acting? 

My father didn’t force acting on any of us, but he encourages any of his children who is interested in acting to go into it.

How does he discipline any child who misbehaves?

He only scolds any child who acts up. He does not use the cane on us.

 

 

 

Your father plays herbalist role in movies quite well. Would you describe him as a native doctor in real life? 

(Laughs) My father is not a native doctor. He is a man of God and a God-fearing man. To your question about if I would describe him as a native doctor in real life, my answer is capital NO.

Your father belongs to the Odunfa Caucus in the Yoruba Nollywood genre and his friends and protégés call him chairman. Did he tell you how he got the appellation?  

Even at home, we all come him chairman. He is the chairman of the Odunfa Caucus and people call him ‘chairman’. That is where the name came from.

Are you saying his children call him chairman at home instead of dad?

Yes, we call him chairman at home. I am especially used to calling him chairman at home.

How does he react whenever you call him chairman?

He always replies well.

How large is his family and how many wives does he have?

His family is a one big family. He has two wives and he is blessed with nine children and four grandchildren. He looks forward to having more grandchildren.

 

Your father appears as a no-nonsense person in movies. Is Yinka Quadri the actor different from Yinka Quadri the father?

They are different persons; they are very different. My father does not compare the roles he plays in movie to his normal self in real life.

How does he handle disagreements with his wives?

I have not seen him have disagreements with his wives.

How would you describe his mood the day he gave out the hands of his daughter, Yewande, out in marriage? 

I would say it was an expression of happiness.

What major advice did he give you about life and relationship?

The greatest relationship advice he gave me was that I should make sure I carefully study the kind of woman I want to marry.

 

How has his name opened doors for you and how do people relate with you when they know you are his son? 

People who know I am his son treat me with care and respect because of my father’s good behaviour.

Can you recall any favours you got because of who your father is?

The favour I can readily recall, which I got on account of who my father is, was when I was invited by Mr. Ademola Adelakun to feature in a movie, Babatunde Ishola Folorunsho. Mr. Adelakun never met me in person prior to the time he called me to feature in his movie. He did that because he recognises my father in the industry.

Does your father watch the movies he features in at home?

Yes, he watches the movies he features in at home.

 

Have you acted together with him in a movie?

Yes, I acted with him in a movie titled, Agbomabiwon.

What do his fans tell you about him when they see you?

Most of his fans love and appreciate him because he is good at what he does. I have met many people who usually tell me that my father is their best actor. They are also aware that he can act any character in any movie.

Where does your father take his family to for bonding?

My father does not have any specific place he takes his family to for bonding. He takes us to wherever we tell him we wish to go for relaxation.

 

 

How often does he take his family to his hometown in Kwara State?

My father always takes us to his hometown during Sallah. He also always encourages us to go there whenever we are on holidays.

What are you most proud of about your father?

I am proud of his status in society. This is because most of the people I meet usually tell me that they love my father’s personality both in movies and in real life.

How close are you to him?

All his children are very close to him because he creates time for all of us. That makes all of us close to him.

What values have you imbibed from your father?

The values I learnt from him are many. But let me tell you that he is my mentor. I like the kind of life he leads. Also, his parents have passed on but he always remembers them and prays for them.