President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, and the Lagos and Ogun state governments have joined Nollywood stars and other dignitaries in mourning the death of veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Ogogo, who died on Sunday, August 23, at the age of 66 after reportedly battling stage-four cancer, was buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday. His death has triggered widespread tributes from political leaders, traditional rulers, entertainers and admirers who described him as a major figure in Nigerian cinema and a custodian of Yoruba culture.
President Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Ogogo’s death as a great loss to the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative community. He said the actor’s decades-long career helped promote Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian culture, while his distinctive acting style and mentorship of younger artistes left a lasting legacy.
The President said Ogogo used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve the country’s cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad. Tinubu extended his condolences to the actor’s family, colleagues and admirers, praying that Almighty Allah would grant him eternal rest and urged the creative industry to preserve the cultural and artistic traditions to which the late actor devoted his life.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, also mourned Ogogo, describing him as a “fallen great tree” whose roots and fruits would continue to nourish generations. In a condolence message through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said the world had lost a giant whose spirit would live on through the lives he inspired. He described Ogogo as a custodian of Yoruba heritage whose work would continue to echo through generations.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described the death as “deeply saddening,” noting that Ogogo brought laughter into homes, told stories that reflected society and used his talent to educate and inspire. Atiku said the actor’s death had created a painful void in Nigeria’s creative community and prayed for the forgiveness of his shortcomings and his eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, described Ogogo as more than an actor, calling him a cultural icon, gifted storyteller and ambassador of Yoruba heritage. Commissioner Toke Benson-Awoyinka said his decades of work on stage and screen helped preserve Yoruba cultural values and shape the creative landscape of Lagos and Nigeria. The Ogun State Government was also among those associated with the mourning of the actor, who hailed from Ilaro in the state and was laid to rest there.
The entertainment industry equally reacted with grief. Actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola described Ogogo’s death as “the end of an era,” calling him one of the biggest talents produced by the Nigerian film industry. Veteran actor Yinka Quadri, described as Ogogo’s close friend and colleague, was overcome with emotion at the burial, while other actors, including Jide Kosoko, Fausat Balogun, Faithia Williams and Kolawole Ajeyemi, attended the funeral.
The death also prompted emotional reactions from prominent musicians and entertainers. Fuji stars Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, and Malaika reportedly broke down while performing following news of Ogogo’s death, while actors Femi Adebayo and Ini Edo were also among those publicly affected by the loss.
Across the tributes, Ogogo was remembered not only for his performances but for his contribution to Yoruba theatre, Nigerian cinema and the preservation of cultural identity over a career spanning more than four decades.
