President Bola Tinubu has described the death of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as a major loss to Nigeria’s creative industry, saying the late actor used his craft to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
Tinubu, in a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Ogogo’s contributions to Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema would remain part of the country’s cultural history.
The President said the actor’s career, which spanned several decades, was marked by a distinctive acting style, strong screen presence and commitment to storytelling.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President commiserated with Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and millions of his admirers, praying that Allah would grant the actor eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Tinubu also highlighted Ogogo’s influence beyond his performances, noting that his mentorship of younger artistes contributed to his lasting impact on Nigeria’s creative sector.
He urged members of the industry and Nigerians to preserve the cultural values and artistic traditions to which Ogogo dedicated his career, saying this would be a fitting way to honour his memory.
Ogogo’s journey to prominence in the entertainment industry was not without a major career transition. Before becoming a full-time actor, he worked as a mechanic with the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years.
He began acting in 1981 while still combining the profession with his job and eventually left his employment in 1994 to pursue acting fully.
Ogogo died on Sunday at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, where he was buried on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites.
