Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his wife, Mrs Temitope Adeola, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his passing as a painful loss to his family, Ogun State and Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Hassan, 66, died at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a battle with stage-four cancer. His remains are expected to be buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, today, Monday, in accordance with Islamic rites.
In a condolence message, Adeola and his wife said they received the news with “profound sadness and a deep sense of loss,” noting that the actor was not only a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry but also a dear brother and proud son of Ilaro.
They recalled the efforts made during Ogogo’s illness, saying they stood by him and his family while supporting his treatment and exploring every possible means of securing the medical care he needed.
“We remained hopeful and prayerful that he would overcome the illness and return to the family, friends and countless admirers who cherished him. Sadly, despite all efforts, it has pleased Almighty God to call him home. Indeed, God knows best,” they stated.
The senator had earlier intervened in efforts to secure specialist medical attention for the actor after news of his deteriorating health emerged. Reports at the time said Adeola contacted cancer specialists and assisted in efforts to facilitate treatment for the veteran actor.
Reacting to the death, Adeola described Hassan as a brother who believed in and worked for his cause and the interests of the people.
“I am greatly saddened by the death of a brother who believed and worked assiduously for my cause and the cause of our people. I sympathize with his immediate family for their efforts and struggles to keep the dearly departed alive following his illness. God knows best in all circumstances,” Adeola said.
He also described Ogogo’s death as a major loss to the creative and entertainment industry, Ogun State and Nigeria, adding that the actor’s contribution to filmmaking and advocacy for a better society would remain part of his enduring legacy.
Adeola and his wife described Ogogo as an accomplished veteran whose career brought joy to generations and contributed significantly to the growth of the Nigerian film industry and the promotion of Yoruba culture.
“His talent, humility and enduring body of work will ensure that his memory lives on,” they said.
The couple extended their condolences to the late actor’s wife, children and entire family, as well as the people of Yewaland and Ogun State, his colleagues and associates in the entertainment industry and all those whose lives he touched.
They prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while giving his family and other mourners the strength to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements announced by the Ilaro Muslim Community indicated that the funeral prayer would be held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro at 10:00 a.m. today. A separate announcement by veteran actor Jide Kosoko stated that a lying-in-state ceremony would take place at the Pavilion at 11:00 a.m.
The death of Ogogo has continued to generate tributes from colleagues, fans and public figures, with many recalling his decades-long contribution to Yoruba-language cinema and Nigerian entertainment.
