Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Buried in Ilaro Amid Tears and Tributes
Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has been buried in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, following his death at the age of 66.
Family members, friends, colleagues and fans gathered in Ilaro on Monday to pay their final respects to the respected Yoruba film actor.
Ogogo was buried according to Islamic rites, a day after his death was confirmed.
His remains were taken to the burial ground, where Islamic prayers were offered before his interment.
Nollywood stars attend Ogogo’s burial
Several prominent figures from the Nigerian entertainment industry attended the funeral.
They included veteran actors Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin, Ireti Osayemi, Toyosi Adesanya and Bisi Omo Logbalogba.
Family members, residents of Ilaro and other sympathisers also gathered to honour the late actor.
Ogogo’s close friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, was visibly emotional during the funeral and broke down in tears as mourners consoled him.
Actor Bola Oyin-Adejobi also paid tribute to Ogogo and prayed for him to attain Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give the family the strength to bear the loss,” Oyin-Adejobi said.
Ogogo died at 66
Ogogo died at about 3pm on Sunday, aged 66.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko had earlier announced his death on Instagram and disclosed that the actor’s remains would be taken to Ilaro for his final burial.
The death came days after Ogogo’s daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for medical assistance for their father.
The veteran actor had been battling stage-four cancer, with the illness reportedly affecting his abdomen.
Family explored treatment options before his death
Ogogo’s daughter, Kaira, previously revealed that doctors treating the actor had informed the family that chemotherapy could no longer continue because of his deteriorating condition.
The family subsequently explored alternative treatment options in an effort to save the veteran actor.
Also Read: Ogogo Gets Over 500 Offers of Medical and Spiritual Help
The health crisis prompted widespread calls for medical assistance from fans, colleagues and well-wishers.
Despite the efforts to secure further treatment, Ogogo died on Sunday.
Ogun Government mourns Nollywood icon
Representing the Ogun State Government at the funeral, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, described Ogogo as an icon, family man and influential personality.
Isiaka attended the funeral on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was unable to attend because of a previously scheduled official engagement.
The commissioner said the state government and people of Ogun were mourning not only an actor but also a respected member of the community.
He urged Ogogo’s children and other family members to find comfort in the life their father lived.
Isiaka also conveyed Governor Abiodun’s condolences to the actor’s children and the entire family.
He thanked Ogogo’s colleagues, friends and other sympathisers for attending the funeral and honouring the late actor.
Mr Latin pays tribute to Ogogo
The President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, described Ogogo as a complete gentleman with an impeccable character.
Amusan said the late actor was a man of the people who was widely known and respected.
He urged Ogogo’s children to preserve the values their father left behind.
According to him, although Ogogo is gone, his legacy should remain alive.
Ogogo’s legacy in Yoruba cinema
Taiwo Hassan was one of the recognised veterans of Yoruba-language cinema and spent several decades building a career in the Nigerian film industry.
His distinctive acting style and appearances in numerous Yoruba films earned him a strong following among Nigerian audiences.
Beyond his acting career, Ogogo was widely regarded as an important figure in the growth and promotion of Yoruba entertainment.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and entertainment stakeholders across Nigeria.
As family, friends and colleagues mourn his passing, the veteran actor leaves behind a legacy that continues to resonate across Nollywood and Yoruba cinema.
