Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Lagos State Government and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have mourned veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66 after battling cancer.
Hassan’s death has continued to generate tributes from political leaders, government officials and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry, with mourners describing him as a major contributor to Yoruba cinema and Nigeria’s creative sector.
Atiku described the actor’s death as “deeply saddening”, noting that it was particularly painful that the public only became aware of Hassan’s battle with cancer shortly before his death.
“The news of the passing of celebrated Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, is deeply saddening,” Atiku said.
He described Hassan as more than an accomplished actor, saying his career touched the lives of millions of Nigerians.
“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,” the former vice-president stated.
Atiku added that Hassan’s death had created a significant void in the creative industry.
“His passing leaves a painful void in Nigeria’s creative community and in the hearts of the millions who cherished his work,” he said.
He further expressed condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and admirers across the world.
“I join his family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and across the world in mourning this profound loss,” Atiku said, praying that Almighty Allah would forgive the actor’s shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Similarly, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture described Hassan as a cultural icon and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the ministry said Hassan was “more than an actor,” describing him as “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,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
She added that Hassan’s contributions to Yoruba culture, theatre and entertainment had helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“His contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” the commissioner stated.
The Lagos State Government also extended condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and the wider Nollywood and creative arts community, describing his death as a great loss to the cultural sector.
Sowore also joined the growing list of mourners, describing Ogogo as an “extraordinary actor” whose distinctive voice, commanding presence and performances made him unmistakable on screen.
“My profound condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nollywood community in Nigeria over the untimely passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo, who died today following a battle with cancer,” Sowore stated.
He said Hassan’s contribution to the industry spanned more than four decades.
“Ogogo was an extraordinary actor whose uniquely raspy voice, commanding presence, and remarkable performances made him unmistakable on screen. For more than four decades, he made an enduring contribution to Yoruba cinema and Nigeria’s film industry,” he added.
Sowore concluded his tribute with a personal farewell to the late actor, saying, “May he rest in power. And may the force continue to be with him!”
Hassan, one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language Nollywood, built a career spanning several decades as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter. His death has left colleagues, fans and admirers mourning one of the enduring faces of Nigeria’s film industry.
