Ogogo used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, Tinubu mourns veteran actor

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his grief over the death of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo. The President characterized the passing of the esteemed artist as a profound loss to the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood, and Nigeria's entire creative community.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Ogogo's family, friends, and colleagues. He lauded Ogogo as a distinguished artiste whose career, spanning several decades, played a crucial role in shaping the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema. Tinubu highlighted Ogogo's unique acting style, commanding screen presence, and dedication, noting how these qualities enabled him to entertain multiple generations while simultaneously promoting Yoruba culture and Nigeria's diverse heritage.

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Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad. His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community.

"Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad," Tinubu stated. "His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community." The President prayed for eternal rest for the actor and strength for his loved ones.

Tinubu emphasized that Ogogo's body of work constitutes an important part of Nigeria's cultural history. His mentorship and influence on younger artists further cemented his enduring legacy within the creative industry. The President urged members of the creative sector and all Nigerians to honor Ogogo's memory by preserving and building upon the cultural values and artistic traditions that defined his life. Ogogo, who died at 66 after battling stage-four cancer, was buried on Monday in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites. He had previously worked as a mechanic before dedicating himself fully to acting in 1994.

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On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.