THE death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has triggered a wave of tributes, prayers and condolences from political leaders, government officials, actors, musicians and fans across Nigeria.
Hassan, 66, died on Sunday, August 23, after battling cancer. His death came days after colleagues and well-wishers rallied around him with prayers and appeals for medical intervention.
His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, where the lying-in-state ceremony was scheduled for Monday.
The tributes that followed his death have highlighted his decades-long contribution to Yoruba-language cinema, his promotion of Nigerian culture and his influence on generations of actors.
Atiku: Ogogo used his talent to inspire social change
Among the prominent figures to mourn him was former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who described Hassan’s death as painful, particularly because Nigerians had only recently learnt of his battle with cancer.
In a tribute posted on X on Sunday, Abubakar said Hassan was more than an entertainer. He stressed that the actor used his career to tell stories that reflected Nigerian society and to educate and inspire audiences.
Abubakar extended his condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and abroad, while praying for the actor’s forgiveness and eternal rest.
Lagos government: Loss to creative, cultural community
The Lagos State Government also mourned Hassan, describing his death as a major loss to the state’s creative and cultural community.
The state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture issued a condolence message on Sunday, joining colleagues, fans and other Nigerians in mourning the actor.
“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage. Through his remarkable career, he entertained generations while showcasing and preserving the Yoruba rich cultural values on stage and screen,” the statement read.
Hassan spent much of his career in the Yoruba film industry, with his work helping to popularise Yoruba-language cinema among audiences in Nigeria and beyond.
Ogun: Hassan is a shining light
In Hassan’s home state, the Ogun State Government described him as “a shining light” whose career helped promote Nigerian culture and Yoruba heritage.
In a statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government said Hassan distinguished himself through his artistry, humility, dignity and professionalism.
The government also noted that Hassan, an indigene of Ilaro, remained connected to his roots and used theatre, film and television to promote Yoruba language, traditions and values.
“As an Ilaro-born son of Ogun State, Ogogo remained a proud ambassador of his roots. Through his work in theatre, film and television, he contributed immensely to the preservation, promotion and propagation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the Yoruba language, traditions and values,” the statement said.
Senator Adeola promises support for family
Solomon Adeola, the senator representing Ogun West and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the state, also expressed sadness over Hassan’s death.
Adeola described the actor’s death as a monumental loss to the creative and entertainment industry, the actor’s family, Ogun State and Nigeria.
Adeola also sympathised with the actor’s family over the efforts made to keep him alive during his illness and pledged continued support for his immediate family.
Kosoko mourns longtime colleague
For Jide Kosoko, one of the veterans who shared decades with Hassan in the Yoruba film industry, the death marked the loss of a major figure in the development of Yoruba cinema.
Kosoko announced Hassan’s death on Sunday, saying the industry received the news with “heavy hearts and profound sadness.”
Hassan’s death also came at a time when Kosoko and other senior members of the industry had been involved in efforts to support him during his illness.
The two actors belonged to a generation of performers who helped shape the modern Yoruba film industry.
Mr Latin: A great icon, a legend and a father is gone
Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin and president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, described Hassan as “a great icon, a legend and a father to many.”
Amusan said Hassan lived a remarkable life, touched countless people and left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s film industry and culture.
He prayed for strength for Hassan’s family, colleagues and loved ones as they mourned the actor.
Femi Adebayo mourns ‘pillar of Yoruba cinema’
Actor Femi Adebayo described Hassan as a “true pillar of Yoruba cinema”, saying his influence would continue across generations.
Adebayo thanked the late actor for the stories, lessons and performances that helped audiences develop an appreciation for the craft.
“Some people leave behind memories. Some leave behind a legacy that time can never erase,” Adebayo wrote in his tribute.
Muyiwa Ademola: ‘The end of an era’
Actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola described Hassan’s death as “the end of an era”.
Ademola called Hassan one of the biggest talents produced by the Nigerian film industry and prayed for strength and comfort for his family and other loved ones.
Other actors pay tribute
Other prominent actors also took to social media to mourn Hassan.
Odunlade Adekola described him as a great star and legend, while Saidi Balogun referred to Hassan as his brother and prayed that Allah grant him eternal rest.
Bolanle Ninalowo recalled having the opportunity to share the screen with Hassan, thanking him for “paving the way” for him and other actors.
Actress Toyin Adewale described Hassan as a ‘gem’, saying he had lived a remarkable life and left a legacy that would endure.
The reactions were not limited to actors. Veteran columnist and former Managing Director of the Daily Times of Nigeria, Tola Adeniyi, described Hassan as “a perfect gentleman in all ramifications” and a “beautiful soul”.
KWAM 1 breaks down in tears
The death also triggered an emotional reaction from Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate.
Ayinde reportedly broke down in tears while performing on stage after learning of Hassan’s death, underscoring the actor’s relationship with people outside the film industry.
Hassan is scheduled to be buried in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, with the lying-in-state ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Pavilion in Ilaro, according to the burial arrangements announced by Kosoko.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M