Nollywood mourns as veteran actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Is laid to rest

Tears and mourning enveloped Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as family members, colleagues, friends and admirers gathered to bid a final farewell to veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

The 66-year-old thespian was buried in his hometown according to Islamic rites, barely 24 hours after his death.

Footage from the funeral showed mourners carrying the actor’s remains to the burial ground, where prayers and other Islamic funeral rites were observed.

The burial attracted several prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, including veteran actors Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya.

Other colleagues, including Ireti Osayemi and Bisi Omo Logbalogba, were also present to honour the late actor and support his family during the difficult moment.

Ogogo’s longtime friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, was visibly emotional at the funeral as he wept while mourners consoled him.

Actor Bola Oyin-Adejobi, speaking to journalists ahead of the burial, paid tribute to the late thespian and prayed that he would attain Al-Jannah Firdaus.

Ogogo’s death was announced on Sunday by fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who revealed that his remains would be taken to Ilaro for a lying-in-state ceremony before his burial.

The Ilaro Muslim Community subsequently announced the funeral prayer for the veteran actor.

His death came shortly after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, appealed to the public for assistance with their father’s medical treatment.

Kaira had revealed that doctors treating Ogogo, who was battling stage-four cancer, had informed the family that chemotherapy could no longer be administered due to his condition. The family subsequently began exploring alternative treatment options.

Ogogo was one of the prominent figures in Nigeria’s film industry, particularly in Yoruba-language cinema, where he built a remarkable career spanning decades.

His passing marks the end of an era for many fans and colleagues who remember him not only for his acting talent but also for his lasting contribution to the growth and popularity of Yoruba Nollywood.