President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, August 24th, expressed deep sadness over the passing of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that Ogogo was a distinguished artist whose career made important contributions to Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He noted that Ogogo’s unique acting style, strong screen presence, and dedication to his work entertained generations of Nigerians. Ogogo also helped promote the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
The president said Ogogo’s work will always be an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history. He added that Ogogo’s mentorship and influence on younger artists highlight his lasting 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,” the president said.
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 prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.
Before finding fame, Ogogo 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.