Minister Musawa mourns veteran actor Ogogo, hails his contribution to Yoruba cinema

Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has paid tribute to veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as ‘Ogogo’. Musawa described Hassan as a custodian of Nigerian culture and a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling.

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Ogogo was not just a star on our screens. He was a custodian of our culture, a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling, and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry.

The minister expressed her grief in a statement following the actor's death on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. Hassan had been battling stage-four cancer, with his health reportedly deteriorating in recent weeks. His family had previously appealed for medical assistance, as doctors indicated that chemotherapy could no longer be administered due to the advanced stage of his condition.

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For many years, he made us laugh, made us think, and made us proud of who we are as Nigerians.

Hassan, born in Ilaro, Ogun State, was a recognizable face in Yoruba-language cinema, working as an actor, filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter over several decades. His notable works include "Eegun Mogaji" and "Igbekun." He was particularly known for his commanding screen presence and roles that embodied Yoruba culture.

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He brought Yoruba culture and cinema to millions across Nigeria and beyond, and he was a source of pride for the Nigerian creative economy.

Musawa hailed Hassan as a towering figure in the Nigerian film industry, whose discipline and dedication helped shape Nollywood and inspire future generations. "Ogogo was not just a star on our screens. He was a custodian of our culture, a proud voice of Yoruba storytelling, and a man who dedicated his life to building the Nigerian creative industry," Musawa stated. She added that his works celebrated Nigeria’s heritage and projected its traditions to the world, making the industry's loss of him profound.

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His works celebrated our heritage and projected the richness of our traditions to the world.