Nollywood is mourning one of Yoruba cinema’s most celebrated figures following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.
Hassan died at about 3pm on Sunday, 23 August, with his daughter Kira Hassan confirming the news during an emotional Instagram Live broadcast. Nigerian media reported that his family had recently disclosed he was battling stage-four cancer.
The actor was being laid to rest on Monday in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State. Fellow Nollywood veterans including Jide Kosoko and Yinka Quadri travelled to Ilaro to join relatives, friends and colleagues paying their final respects.
From mechanic to Yoruba cinema legend
Ogogo’s journey to becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language cinema began far away from the glamour of Nollywood.
Before establishing himself as an actor, Hassan worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years. He began acting in 1981 while continuing with his day job before eventually committing himself to acting full-time in 1994.
Over more than four decades in the industry, Hassan became known for portraying authoritative and culturally significant characters and accumulated numerous film credits and awards.
Among his acclaimed later performances was his portrayal of the Alaafin of Oyo in Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó.
The name “Ogogo”, which became synonymous with his screen career, was not derived from a movie character as is sometimes assumed. It was a family praise name that Hassan adopted professionally long before becoming a household name.
Nollywood stars mourn ‘true pillar’ of Yoruba cinema
Hassan’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria’s entertainment industry and beyond.
Actor Femi Adebayo described him as a “true pillar of Yoruba cinema” whose contribution would continue to influence future generations.
“Thank you for the years, the stories, the lessons and the moments that made us fall in love with the craft,” Adebayo wrote.
Muyiwa Ademola described Hassan’s death as “the end of an era”, while hailing him as “one of the biggest the Nigerian film industry ever produced”.
Saidi Balogun also mourned the veteran actor, describing him as a brother and writing: “You can rest now… This is truly painful.”
Political leaders join tributes
Tributes also came from Nigeria’s political establishment, with former vice-president Atiku Abubakar among those mourning the actor.
“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was more than a gifted actor,” Atiku said. “Through a remarkable career, he brought laughter into countless homes, told stories that reflected our society, and used his talent not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire social rebirth.”
President Bola Tinubu also paid tribute on Monday, describing Hassan’s death as a significant loss to Yoruba cinema, Nollywood and Nigeria’s wider creative industry.
Hassan’s death came only days after his family publicly revealed the seriousness of his illness and appealed for assistance with his treatment.
His passing brings to an end a career stretching more than four decades, from an aspiring performer balancing acting with his job as a mechanic to one of the defining faces of Yoruba-language cinema.
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