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Atiku Abubakar has mourned veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his death as a deeply painful loss.
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Kwam 1, Nollywood actors and other prominent Nigerians have also paid tribute to the veteran actor, remembering his impact on the entertainment industry and Yoruba culture.
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Ogogo, who died on Sunday at 66 after battling cancer, will be buried in Ilaro, Ogun State, today, Monday, August 24.
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His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, politicians, musicians and fans across Nigeria.
August 24, (THEWILL) — Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has mourned veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his death as “deeply saddening” and a painful loss to Nigeria’s creative community.
Hassan died on Sunday at the age of 66 after battling cancer. His death came days after his family appealed for medical help, revealing that he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer.
Ogogo is scheduled to be buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, today, Monday, August 24. His remains have arrived in the town, where large crowds gathered to receive him ahead of his final rites.
The Ilaro Muslim Community announced that the burial prayer would be held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground at 10 a.m., in line with Islamic rites.
In a condolence message, Atiku said Ogogo was more than a gifted actor and praised his contribution to Nigerian entertainment.
“Through a remarkable career, he brought laughter into countless homes, told stories that reflected our society and used his talent not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire social rebirth”, Atiku said.
He added that the actor’s death had left “a painful void” in Nigeria’s creative community and among his many admirers.
“I join his family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and across the world in mourning this profound loss”, he added.
Atiku prayed for Allah to forgive Ogogo’s shortcomings, comfort his family and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Kwam 1 breaks down over Ogogo’s death
Fuji star Kwam 1, also known as Wasiu Ayinde, was overcome with emotion while performing at a live event in Mushin, Lagos, after news of Ogogo’s death reached him.
The music star broke down in tears during the performance as he paid tribute to the late actor. He reportedly stopped singing briefly as he struggled to contain his emotions before continuing with his tribute.
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Nollywood stars mourn Ogogo
There has been an outpouring of tributes from Nollywood stars since the actor’s death.
Femi Adebayo described Ogogo as a “true pillar of Yoruba cinema” and said his impact would live on for generations.
“Thank you for the years, the stories, the lessons and the moments that made us fall in love with the craft.
“You will forever be Ogogo to us”, Adebayo said.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko also mourned his colleague. Meanwhile, 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 great icon, a legend and a father to many.”
Saidi Balogun called Ogogo his brother and wrote: “You can rest now, my brother, Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. May Almighty Allah guide you through Al-Jannah. This is truly painful.”
Other actors, including Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Adewale and Bolanle Ninalowo, also paid tribute to the late actor.
Akindele wrote: “Hmmmmm, sad!!! Rest in peace, Sir T. Your impact on the film industry will never be forgotten. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind.”
Ojo described Ogogo as a great man and said his legacy would never die, while Ninalowo thanked him for paving the way for younger actors.
The tributes have also come from beyond the entertainment industry.
The Ogun State Government also mourned Ogogo, describing him as a distinguished cultural ambassador whose work helped promote Yoruba language, traditions and values. Similarly, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, hailed him as a “custodian of culture” and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage.
Born in Ilaro, Ogogo built a career spanning more than four decades and became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema. He was widely respected for his commanding screen presence and his roles in films such as “Ogogo”, “Eegun Mogaji”, “Igbekun”, “Owo Blow”, “Aníkúlápó” (2022) and “Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre” (2024). His work also contributed to the promotion of Yoruba culture.
As family, colleagues and fans gather in Ilaro for his final rites, tributes continue to pour in for the veteran actor whose career left a lasting mark on Nollywood.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
