Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is mourning the passing of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, who has died at the age of 66.
His daughter, Kira Hassan, announced his death during an emotional Instagram Live session on Sunday, as she struggled to speak about the loss of her father.
The actor, who had reportedly been battling cancer, is expected to be laid to rest on Monday in his hometown in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria, in accordance with Islamic customs.
Fellow actor Prince Jide Kosoko confirmed the burial arrangements.
Tributes have since poured in from colleagues, admirers and prominent figures across the Nigerian entertainment industry, many describing Hassan as one of the most influential personalities in Yoruba-language filmmaking.
Before establishing himself as an actor, Hassan spent approximately 13 years working as a mechanic with the Ogun State Water Corporation.
He began acting in 1981 while still pursuing his mechanical career and later made entertainment his full-time profession in 1994.
Throughout his decades-long career, Hassan received several honours and earned widespread recognition for his performances.
One of his notable roles came in the acclaimed film Anikulapo, in which he portrayed the Alaafin of Oyo, one of the most respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
Reacting to his passing, actor Saidi Balogun described Hassan as a brother and expressed deep sorrow over his death, saying: “You can rest now… This is truly painful.”
Femi Adebayo hailed him as a “true pillar of Yoruba cinema”, thanking him for his contribution to storytelling and the lessons he imparted throughout his career.
Another actor, Muyiwa Ademola, characterised the death as “the end of an era”, describing Hassan as one of the most significant talents produced by Nigeria’s movie industry.
Former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar also expressed his condolences, saying Hassan had used his talent to entertain, educate and encourage positive change in society.
Despite widespread assumptions that his stage name came from a character he portrayed, Hassan previously revealed that “Ogogo” was actually a family praise name.
He adopted the name professionally long before achieving national fame.
The actor leaves behind a legacy spanning several decades and a lasting influence on Yoruba cinema.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong