Nollywood mourns as Ogogo is laid to rest in Ilaro

Abimbola Joseph

The Yoruba film industry on Monday bade farewell to veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, often known as Ogogo, as he was buried in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State.

The 66-year-old actor, whose career spanned more than four decades, was laid to rest after Islamic funeral rites attended by members of his family, colleagues, friends and admirers.

The burial drew prominent figures from Nollywood, including Jide Kosoko, Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin, Toyosi Adesanya, Ireti Osayemi and Bisi Omo Logbalogba.

Emotions ran high during the ceremony, with some of the actor’s closest associates struggling to contain their grief. His longtime friend and fellow actor, Yinka Quadri, was visibly emotional as mourners gathered to pay their final respects.

Hassan’s death on Sunday came after a battle with stage-four cancer. His daughters, Kaira and Lima, had previously appealed for financial assistance for his treatment after doctors reportedly indicated that chemotherapy was no longer a viable option.

The actor’s death has left a significant void in Yoruba cinema, where he was widely respected for his distinctive performances and his contribution to the preservation of Yoruba culture through film.

For more than 40 years, Hassan built a reputation as one of the enduring figures of the Yoruba-language film industry, portraying characters that reflected the language, traditions and social realities of his community.

Beyond his work on screen, colleagues and admirers remembered him for his longevity and influence in an industry that has undergone significant changes during his career.

His burial in Ilaro ended a period of mourning that began with news of his death, but his performances and contribution to Yoruba cinema are expected to remain part of the industry’s cultural record.