- Veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, at the age of 66.
- Nollywood stars including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Faithia Balogun, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya attended the burial ceremony.
- Ogogo’s daughters had earlier appealed for urgent medical assistance as the actor battled advanced cancer before his death.
Nollywood stars, family members, friends and well-wishers gathered in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday to bid a final farewell to veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the 66-year-old actor was laid to rest in his hometown following a funeral ceremony attended by several prominent figures from the Nigerian film industry, who came to honour the late actor and pay their final respects.
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Ogogo’s remains arrived in Ilaro earlier on Monday, marking the beginning of the final burial rites for the respected actor, whose career spanned several decades and earned him a prominent place in the Yoruba movie industry.
Among those present at the funeral were veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko, as well as Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya, among other colleagues and associates.
The gathering was marked by grief as colleagues who had worked closely with Ogogo reflected on his life, career and contributions to Nollywood.
Yinka Quadri, who shared a longstanding relationship with Ogogo, was visibly emotional during the burial ceremony as he mourned the death of his colleague and friend.
One of Ogogo’s protégés, actress Toyosi Adesanya, also paid tribute to the late actor, describing him as a man of integrity and an epitome of simplicity.
Adesanya recalled spending about 10 years under Ogogo’s tutelage, highlighting the influence he had on her career and development as an actress.
The burial came days after Ogogo’s family raised concerns about his deteriorating health and appealed for urgent medical assistance.
His daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, had publicly sought help for their father as he battled advanced cancer. They appealed to members of the public, medical professionals and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the family in securing further treatment for the actor.
The family had also been searching for medical specialists who could review Ogogo’s condition after they were reportedly informed that chemotherapy could no longer be administered because of the state of his health.
Despite the efforts made by his family and supporters, Ogogo died at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy built through years of acting, mentorship and storytelling.
His death has continued to generate tributes across Nigeria, particularly among members of the Yoruba film industry, where he was regarded as one of the respected figures of his generation.
Ogogo was known for his distinctive acting style and his contribution to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema. Through numerous film roles, he entertained audiences while also contributing to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian culture and storytelling.
His final burial in Ilaro brought together colleagues from different generations of Nollywood, alongside relatives, friends and admirers who gathered to honour his memory.
As the curtains were drawn on the life of the veteran actor, tributes from colleagues and fans continued to highlight the impact he made during his years in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Ogogo’s passing has left a significant void among his family, colleagues and admirers, with many remembering him not only for his acting career but also for the people he mentored and the relationships he built throughout his life.
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