The Olu Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, has condoled with the family, friends, associates and admirers of veteran Yoruba actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his death as a major loss to Ilaro and Yewaland.
In a statement signed by Adeola Adeyemi, Special Assistant to the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland on Media and Strategic Communications, the palace expressed condolences to the late actor’s family and the entire Ilaro and Yewa community, while celebrating his contributions to Yoruba theatre, culture and the development of his community.
Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66 after battling cancer, was a veteran actor, filmmaker and cultural ambassador whose career spanned more than four decades. His death has continued to attract tributes from across the country, with his remains arriving in Ilaro ahead of his burial on Monday.
The palace described Ogogo as a distinguished theatre practitioner who dedicated much of his life to promoting and preserving Yoruba theatre and cultural values, noting that his work projected the richness of Yoruba culture to audiences beyond Ilaro and Yewaland.
According to the statement, Ogogo’s love for Yewaland was “genuine and unmistakable,” adding that he remained deeply concerned about the wellbeing, unity and development of his people.
The monarch described the late actor as “a man who carried Yewaland in his heart,” stressing that his death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“For Ilaro and indeed Yewaland, his death has created a vacuum that can never truly be filled. There are people whose presence becomes part of the identity of a community, and Ogogo was one of such people,” Oba Olugbenle said.
The palace further noted that Ogogo’s warmth, accessibility and commitment to his community endeared him to many and earned him widespread respect among the people.
The monarch urged the bereaved family, friends, colleagues and admirers to take solace in the life the late actor lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
Ogogo’s death was confirmed on Sunday by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional social media broadcast, while fellow actor Jide Kosoko also announced details of his final rites.
The palace prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Ogogo’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
