President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death.
The President described Ogogo as a distinguished artiste whose career spanned several decades and whose contributions helped shape the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and the Nigerian film industry.
Tinubu said the late actor entertained generations of Nigerians through his distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft, while also promoting the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
According to the President, Ogogo’s body of work will remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, while his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further strengthened his enduring 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,” Tinubu said.
“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 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.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.
Before rising to prominence in the movie industry, Ogogo worked as a mechanic at the Lagos State Water Corporation for about 13 years. He began his acting career in 1981, combining it with his mechanic job before leaving the role in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
Over the years, Ogogo became one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema, building a career that left a lasting impact on Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative industry.
