President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family, friends and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died after decades in acting.
Tinubu described the late actor as a distinguished artiste whose decades-long career contributed significantly to the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema, particularly through memorable performances.
The President’s condolence message is contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.
Tinubu said Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, while his mentorship of younger artistes further strengthened his enduring legacy in Nollywood.
He said that through his distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft, Ogogo entertained generations while promoting Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.
“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers,” Tinubu said.
The President urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted himself.
Tinubu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul and strength for his family and loved ones, describing his death as an irreparable loss to those closest to him.
“I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Tinubu said.
Ogogo worked as a mechanic with the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years before gaining prominence in acting and becoming a notable figure in Yoruba cinema.
He began acting in 1981 while combining the profession with his mechanic job, eventually leaving the employment in 1994 to pursue acting as a full-time career.
Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has expressed sadness over the death of Ogogo, who died at 66 years.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the death of the Nollywood icon as painful and a significant loss to Nigeria’s creative industry.
The governor sympathised with the deceased’s immediate family, children, friends, colleagues, fans and associates, saying Ogogo’s contributions to the entertainment industry would remain indelible.
Sanwo-Olu said the late actor was a highly talented artiste, who deployed his God-given abilities to entertain, inspire and positively influence society through his numerous cinematic performances.
“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was a bundle of talent who used his God-given gift to touch lives and bring smiles to the faces of millions of Nigerians.
“Through his numerous cinematic performances, Ogogo mirrored our society, moulded character and left a lasting impact on generations of film lovers.
“His death is deeply hurtful and heartbreaking, particularly to his family, colleagues and the entire creative industry. His departure has created a vacuum that will take time to fill.” he said.
The governor urged the bereaved family, friends, colleagues and fans to find solace in the fulfilled life and remarkable career of the deceased.
He described Ogogo’s death as a profound loss to the entertainment industry and Nigeria, noting that his legacy would continue to live through his works and the memories he created.
“Although the death of a loved one is naturally painful and irreplaceable, we must continue to seek solace in God and accept His will, especially when the deceased lived a fulfilled life.
“Ogogo will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues and countless fans who admired his talent and contributions to Nigerian entertainment.” Sanwo-Olu said.
Sanwo-Olu prayed to God to grant the late actor eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family, colleagues and friends the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also paid tribute to Ogogo.
The Ooni expressed his condolences in a statement on Monday.
It was issued and signed by the Senior Media Officer to the Ooni, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare, on Monday.
Ogunwusi commiserated with Ogogo’s family and the entire Nollywood industry.
He also condoled with Yoruba actors and actresses, friends, associates and millions of fans of the deceased over the painful loss.
The traditional ruler described Ogogo as a legend of Yoruba cinema and an advocate of Yoruba culture, saying his contributions went beyond entertainment.
According to him, the late actor used his talent to preserve, promote and project Yoruba language, traditions, values and identity through his decades-long career.
The Ooni explained that Ogogo belonged to a generation of artistes, who used their talents to tell authentic Yoruba stories and showcase the richness of the culture.
“Ogogo was not merely an actor; he was an advocate of our culture.
‘’Through his craft, he promoted our language, traditions, values and identity. His contribution to Yoruba cinema will remain indelible,” he said.
Ogunwusi said the death of the veteran actor had created a significant vacuum in the creative industry, particularly the Yoruba-language film sector.
He urged members of the entertainment industry and admirers of the deceased to take solace in his enduring legacy and contributions to Yoruba culture and Nigerian cinema.
The Ooni commiserated with Ogogo’s wives, children and extended family, praying that ‘’Olodumare’’ grant the deceased eternal rest and give the bereaved fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ogogo.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, following a courageous battle with what his family declared was stage-four cancer.
Ogogo’s death, announced by his daughter Kira Taiwo on social media, has left millions of admirers, colleagues, and fans in mourning. He has since been buried according to Islamic rites in Ilaro, Ogun State.
In a statement from his media office, Rt. Hon. Obasa described the late thespian as “a towering figure in Nollywood whose artistry embodied discipline, moral strength, and cultural pride.”
According to the Speaker, Hassan’s performances “inspired generations and helped preserve Yoruba heritage through storytelling that resonated across Nigeria and beyond.”
Obasa added: “His death is not only a loss to his family and admirers but to the entire creative industry and the Nigerian nation. Ogogo’s humility, professionalism, and dedication to his craft made him a role model whose influence extended far beyond the screen.”
Obasa also commiserated with the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) under the leadership of Mr. Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin), saying: “The Association has lost a revered elder and mentor whose absence will be deeply felt across the theatre and film community.”
On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Speaker extended heartfelt condolences to Ogogo’s family, colleagues, and admirers, praying that Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, described Ogogo, as a cultural ambassador who used his craft to celebrate and elevate Yoruba traditions and values.
In a statement on Monday, Adams said Ogogo was a brilliant and veteran actor whose contributions to the Yoruba film industry were remarkable and enduring.
He expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the late veteran actor, Alhaji Hassan, following his untimely death.
“I condole with his family, the people of Ilaro and Ogun State, members of Theatre Arts & Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigerian (TAMPAN) and his fans across the world,” he said.
Iba Adams highlighted Ogogo’s dedication to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba heritage through his exceptional performances, which endeared him to audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo commended Ogogo’s professionalism, versatility, and unwavering commitment to the arts.
He noted that the late actor’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of actors and theater practitioners who look up to him as a role model.
“Ogogo’s life and work exemplify the spirit of Yoruba artistry and the power of storytelling to unite and uplift our people.
“His oratory in chanting Yoruba poetry (ewi and ijala) to promote culture was impeccable. Through out his life time, he also had no scandal,” Iba Gani Adams stated.
In his message of condolence, the Aare Ona Kakanfo also extended his sympathies to the entire Yoruba film industry and all theater practitioners who have lost a cherished colleague and friend.
He acknowledged the pain and grief that the entertainment community is experiencing and urged them to remain resilient in the face of this loss.
He emphasised the importance of unity and collective prayer to seek divine intervention against the recurrence of such sad incidents in the future.
Iba Adams called on Yoruba sons and daughters to come together in solidarity, offering prayers for the repose of Ogogo’s soul and for strength and comfort to his family during this difficult time.
He expressed hope that the Almighty would grant eternal rest to the departed actor and provide solace to all who mourn him.
“The late Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was a towering figure in the Nigerian film industry, especially within the Yoruba-language cinema.
“His career spanned several decades, during which he delivered memorable performances that left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Ogogo’s work not only entertained but also educated and preserved the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
“Throughout his career, Ogogo was celebrated for his ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity. His dedication to his craft earned him respect and admiration from colleagues, critics, and fans alike. Beyond his artistic talents, he was known for his humility, kindness, and mentorship of younger actors, helping to nurture the next generation of Yoruba film stars,” the statement added.
Also, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed grief over the death.
Musawa, in a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, on Monday in Abuja, described late Hassan, as a towering figure in the Nigerian film industry.
According to the minister, the late actor’s discipline, talent and dedication helped to shape Nollywood and inspire generations of actors, directors and producers.
“Ogogo was not just a star on our screens. He was a custodian of our culture, a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling, and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry.” she said.
Musawa said Hassan’s works celebrated Nigerian heritage and projected the richness of Yoruba traditions to audiences in Nigeria and beyond.
“The industry has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the films he left behind,” the minister said.
She extended condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues in Nollywood, fans and the people of Ogun State.
The minister also prayed for the family and the film industry to have the strength to bear the loss and for the repose of his soul.
Hassan reportedly died on Sunday, following his battle with cancer.
A video shared on social media captured his daughter, Kira Taiwo, in tears as she announced her father’s death, repeatedly saying, “My daddy is dead.”
The sad event came days after Hassan’s daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, disclosed on Instagram that he was battling Stage 4 cancer and sought medical assistance for his treatment.
In an Instagram Live session, Kira, in tears, said the family discovered the severity of his condition about three weeks earlier, and appealed to medical professionals and others with possible treatment options to assist the family.
