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

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President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his death as a great loss to the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative community.

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Tinubu, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the actor’s family, friends and colleagues.

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The President described Ogogo as a distinguished artiste whose career spanned several decades and whose contributions helped shape the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

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He said Ogogo’s distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft enabled him to entertain generations of Nigerians while promoting Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse cultural 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.

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“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community.

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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,” Tinubu said.

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The President said Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, while his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further demonstrated his enduring legacy in the creative industry.

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Tinubu urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.

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He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.

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Before gaining fame as an actor, Ogogo worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years.

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He began acting in 1981 while combining the profession with his mechanic job before leaving the employment in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.

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Ogogo died on Sunday at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.

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His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, where he was buried on Monday according to Islamic rites.

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