Ogogo laid to rest at Ilaro
Ogogo’s death came days after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for medical assistance for their father, who had been battling stage-four cancer.
The 66-year-old Yoruba film icon was buried in Islamic rites, a day after his death was confirmed.
Mourners conveyed his remains to the burial ground, where Islamic prayers were offered before his interment.
Among those who attended the funeral were veteran actors Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin, Ireti Osayemi, Toyosi Adesanya and Bisi Omo Logbalogba, alongside members of the deceased’s family, residents and other sympathisers.
Ogogo’s close friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, was visibly emotional and broke down in tears as mourners consoled him.
Also paying tribute to the deceased, actor Bola Oyin-Adejobi prayed for Ogogo to attain Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“May Allah grant him Al-Jannah fridaus and give the family the strength to bear the loss,” Oyin-Adejobi said.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, had earlier announced his death on Instagram, stating that the actor’s remains would be taken to Ilaro for a lying-in-state and final burial.
Tributes pour in
President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun State Government, and Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa were among prominent Nigerians who paid tribute to the late veteran actor as he was laid to rest in Ilaro, Ogun State.
It’s a great loss to Nigerian creative community
—Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu described the death of the veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, as a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry and the entire Nigerian creative community.
The President expressed condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter.
President Tinubu said the late Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was a distinguished artiste whose career spanned several decades and made remarkable contributions that helped shape the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.
The president said Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, adding that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further underscored his enduring legacy in the creative industry.
The statement read: “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. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
A monumental loss — Ogun govt
Also paying tribute to the late actor, the Ogun State government described Ogogo’s death “a monumental loss” to the state and the nation.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said Ogogo was “a shining light” whose discipline and commitment projected Yoruba heritage globally.
Abiodun said: “Throughout his career, Taiwo Hassan distinguished himself with exceptional artistry, humility and dignity.
“He was a proud ambassador of Ilaro and Ogun State. His voice may be silent, but his works will speak for generations.”
He was a custodian of our culture— Musawa
Similarly, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described Ogogo as “a towering figure in Nollywood.
“Ogogo was not just a star on our screens. He was a custodian of our culture and a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry. For many years, he made us laugh, made us think, and made us proud of who we are as Nigerians.
“He made us laugh, made us think, and made us proud to be Nigerian. The industry has lost a giant, but his legacy endures.”
“He brought Yoruba culture and cinema to millions across Nigeria and beyond, and he was a source of pride for the Nigerian creative economy.
“His works celebrated our heritage and projected the richness of our traditions to the world. 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,” Musawa stated.
He was a cultural Ambassador — Gani Adams
On his part, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, described the late Ogogo as “a cultural ambassador who used his craft to celebrate and elevate Yoruba traditions and values.”
He said: “Ogogo’s life exemplifies Yoruba artistry and the power of storytelling to unite our people.
“He was versatile, professional, and committed to mentoring younger actors. His legacy will inspire generations.
“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.”
His legacy should be kept alive — TAMPAN boss
The President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, described Ogogo as a complete gentleman and a man of impeccable character.
Amusan, however, urged the late actor’s children to preserve the values and legacy their father left behind.
He said: “He was a complete gentleman, a man of impeccable character. He was a man of the people. Everybody knew him, even people who were unknown to us. Ogogo is dead, but his legacy should be kept alive.”
Culled from Vanguard
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