Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan following his demise.
Before finding fame, Hassan worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years. He began acting in 1981, combining the profession with his mechanic job before leaving it in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
The President, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as a distinguished artiste whose career spanned several decades and made remarkable contributions that helped shape the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He noted that through his distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft, Ogogo entertained generations of Nigerians while promoting the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.
The president said Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, adding that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further underscored his enduring legacy in the creative industry.
“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.
“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.”
He 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. The president also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his condolences to the immediate family, friends and associates of the late ‘Ogogo’, who died yesterday at the age of 66.
He described the actor’s death as deeply hurtful and heartbreaking.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the death of the Nollywood icon was a significant loss to Nigeria, particularly to the creative industry.
He also extended his heartfelt sympathies to Ogogo’s children, family, and the Nigerian entertainment sector on the demise of the actor.
Sanwo-Olu urged his family, friends, colleagues, fans, and practitioners in the entertainment industry to accept Ogogo’s death as an act of God.
“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was a bundle of talent, who used his God-given gift to better mankind. As an actor, he brought smiles to many faces through his roles in various movies.
“Through his numerous cinematic performances, Ogogo mirrored the society, moulded character and left a lasting impact in many generations of film lovers.”
“The death of a loved one is naturally painful because it is irreplaceable, but we must always seek solace in God, especially when the deceased lived a fulfilled life, like the late Taiwo Hassan, who was a celebrated actor in his lifetime.
“Ogogo’s death is a profound loss to his family, colleagues, the entertainment industry, and Nigeria. His departure has created a vacuum that will take time to fill in the entertainment sector. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, fans, and colleagues.
“I pray that God grants the late Alhaji Taiwo Hassan eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and gives the family, colleagues, and friends the strength to endure this irreparable loss.”
Hannatu Musawa
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has expressed deep sorrow over death of Nigerian movie star, Chief Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as “Ogogo”.
Musawa, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze, described Ogogo as a towering figure in the Nigerian film industry.
The minister lauded Ogogo for helping to shape Nollywood and inspire generations of actors, directors, and producers through his discipline, talent and dedication.
“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.
“For many years, he made us laugh, made us think, and made us proud of who we are as Nigerians. He brought Yoruba culture and cinema to millions across Nigeria and beyond, and he was a source of pride for the Nigerian creative economy.
“The industry has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the films he left behind,” she added.