The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, mourned veteran Nollywood actor Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following the actor’s death at the age of 66.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, after battling stage-four cancer, with his daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirming the death. The veteran actor was buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday.
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In a condolence message issued through his media office, Obasa described Hassan as “a towering figure in Nollywood whose artistry embodied discipline, moral strength, and cultural pride”.
The Speaker said the actor’s performances had gone beyond entertainment, helping to preserve Yoruba heritage through storytelling that reached audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
Obasa said, “His death is not only a loss to his family and admirers but to the entire creative industry and the Nigerian nation.”
He added that Hassan’s “humility, professionalism, and dedication to his craft made him a role model whose influence extended far beyond the screen.”
The tribute came as the Nigerian entertainment industry continued to grapple with the loss of one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema.
Hassan’s death followed an intense final chapter in his battle with cancer.
His daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, had appealed to medical professionals, hospitals and well-wishers for assistance after the family disclosed the severity of his condition.
The development also came after a false report of Hassan’s death circulated on social media several days before his actual passing.
His daughter, Lima Taiwo, dismissed the earlier report at the time, urging the public to disregard it.
The actor’s eventual death was announced on Sunday, with veteran colleague Jide Kosoko confirming that Hassan died at about 3pm.
Kosoko subsequently announced plans for the burial in Ilaro.
The burial, held in accordance with Islamic tradition, brought family members, colleagues and admirers to Ilaro as the veteran actor was returned to his hometown for his final rites.
For Obasa, the loss also represents a significant blow to the community of theatre practitioners.
The Lagos Assembly Speaker specifically commiserated with the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, under the leadership of Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.
“The Association has lost a revered elder and mentor whose absence will be deeply felt across the theatre and film community,” Obasa said.
Hassan’s influence stretched across more than four decades.
Born in Ilaro on October 31, 1959, he began his career on stage before becoming a prominent actor, filmmaker, producer and screenwriter in the Yoruba-language film industry.
His career included appearances in productions such as Owo Blow, Omin, Elewon, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
His work was particularly noted for characters rooted in Yoruba culture and traditional society.
Hassan’s contribution to Nigerian cinema also earned him industry recognition, including the THEMA Best Actor award in 1997 and a City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award.
His passing therefore closes a remarkable chapter in Yoruba filmmaking, while leaving behind a body of work that continues to connect traditional storytelling with contemporary Nigerian audiences.
Obasa extended his condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and admirers, praying that Almighty Allah would grant the late actor eternal rest and comfort those mourning his passing.
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For an industry that watched Hassan grow from the stage into one of Yoruba cinema’s most enduring screen personalities, his death marks a profound loss, but his cultural imprint is likely to remain visible for generations.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
