Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, following his death at the age of 66.
Ogogo was buried according to Islamic rites after funeral prayers were held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. His remains arrived in Ilaro before the burial, where family members, religious leaders, colleagues, friends and sympathisers gathered to pay their final respects to the respected Yoruba actor.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after battling stage-four cancer. His death came only days after his family publicly revealed his condition and appealed for help in finding appropriate medical treatment.
His health crisis had generated an overwhelming response from the Nigerian entertainment community. Fellow actors, fans and well-wishers rallied around the veteran, while Yoruba actors also organised a special prayer session for his recovery.
Veteran actors including Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Fausat Balogun, Kaka Odunfa and others had gathered to pray for Ogogo during his final days.
Jide Kosoko had also revealed that the family received hundreds of offers from people claiming to have medical, spiritual and traditional solutions that could help the actor. However, he explained that moving Ogogo from the hospital to different locations was difficult because of his condition.
Following the actor’s death, tributes have continued to pour in from across Nigeria, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Lagos State Government among those who have mourned the veteran.
Atiku described Ogogo’s death as “deeply saddening” and expressed concern that the public only became aware of the actor’s battle with cancer days before his passing.
The former vice president described Hassan as more than a gifted actor, noting that he used his talent to entertain, educate and tell stories that reflected Nigerian society.
Atiku said Ogogo’s death had created a painful void in Nigeria’s creative community and among his numerous admirers in Nigeria and around the world.
He extended his condolences to Ogogo’s family, colleagues and fans, praying that Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The Lagos State Government also paid tribute to the late actor through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described Ogogo as a cultural icon, gifted storyteller and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage.
She said Hassan was more than an actor, noting that through his decades-long career, he entertained generations while showcasing and preserving Yoruba cultural values on stage and screen.
According to the commissioner, Ogogo’s contributions to Yoruba culture, theatre and the entertainment industry helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.
She added that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of creatives, while the ministry extended its condolences to his family, colleagues and the wider Nollywood community.
Ogogo was one of the enduring figures of Yoruba cinema, building a career that spanned decades across acting, filmmaking and screenwriting. His distinctive performances and contribution to Yoruba-language theatre earned him a lasting place in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
His burial in Ilaro marked an emotional final farewell to a man whose career touched generations of Nigerians.
As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues and admirers have remembered Taiwo Hassan not only for his acting talent but also for his contribution to preserving Yoruba culture and storytelling.
The veteran actor may have taken his final bow, but his films, characters and cultural legacy will continue to live on.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. 🕊️🙏
