Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried on Monday in Ilaro, Ogun State, following the Janazah prayer held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion.
The burial ceremony attracted members of Hassan’s family, friends, colleagues in the entertainment industry, political leaders and other sympathisers who gathered to honour the late actor.
Cleric mourns Hassan’s passing
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Imam Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, said the large turnout for the burial reflected the positive impact Hassan made during his lifetime.
He described the actor’s death as a significant loss to both the Yoruba film industry and the Islamic community.
The imam noted that Hassan often portrayed aspects of his Islamic faith and Yoruba cultural heritage through his acting roles.
He urged people to live exemplary lives and build legacies that would continue to speak for them after their death.
Ogun governor pays tribute
The Wakeelul-Muslimeen in the South-West, including Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Iskeel Lawal (Sugar), described Hassan as a highly dedicated professional.
Lawal also called on practitioners in the theatre industry to remain united and work together in advancing the profession.
Representing the Ogun State Government, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Wasiu Isiaka said Governor Dapo Abiodun regarded Hassan as an entertainment icon whose contributions to the industry would not be forgotten.
The governor described the late actor as a devoted family man and urged his relatives and admirers to draw comfort from the life he lived and the legacy he left behind.
TAMPAN president urges preservation of Ogogo’s legacy
The National President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, described Hassan as a man of strong character who enjoyed a close relationship with the people around him.
Amusan said the actor’s contributions to the entertainment industry and wider society would continue to be remembered.
He urged Hassan’s family, friends and fellow practitioners to preserve his achievements and build on the foundation he left behind.
“Ogogo is dead, but his legacy should be kept alive.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Taiwo Hassan died on Sunday following a protracted illness.
