The remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have arrived in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, for his burial.
Family members, colleagues, friends and residents gathered in the town on Monday to receive the remains of the veteran actor as preparations for his final rites got underway.
Veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko were among the Nollywood personalities who arrived in Ilaro to pay their last respects to their colleague.
Actress Ireti Osayemi also arrived in the town for the burial, with videos of her arrival shared on social media.
The atmosphere in Ilaro was marked by grief as mourners gathered to honour Hassan, whose death has plunged the Yoruba film industry into mourning.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling stage-four cancer.
His death came days after his daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for urgent medical assistance, revealing that their father was battling the advanced stage of the disease.
The family had sought medical intervention after doctors reportedly informed them that chemotherapy could no longer be administered because of his condition.
According to the burial arrangements, Hassan’s remains were taken to Ilaro, where a lying-in-state ceremony was scheduled to hold at the Pavilion on Monday before his burial.
Hassan, an Ilaro-born actor, was one of the most prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, with a career spanning several decades in theatre, film and television.
Meanwhile, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, has mourned the death of the veteran actor, describing him as a giant of Nigerian cinema.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communications on behalf of the chairman, executives and members of the guild, the AGN said Hassan’s career spanned more than three decades and was defined by his commanding screen presence, powerful voice and commitment to authentic Nigerian storytelling.
The guild described Ogogo as a mentor to many, a disciplinarian on set and a proud ambassador of Yoruba culture and Nigerian values.
“Ogogo’s death is a huge loss to the creative industry. He represented excellence, integrity and the golden era of Nollywood. We celebrate his life, his works and the indelible mark he left on our industry,” the statement said.
The guild extended its condolences to Hassan’s immediate family, the national body of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, the Nollywood community and his millions of fans across the world.
It also prayed for the repose of his soul and strength for his family to bear the loss, adding that details of a befitting tribute and funeral arrangements would be announced in consultation with the family and the national body of the AGN.
The Lagos State Government also expressed grief over Hassan’s death, describing it as a major loss to Nigeria’s creative and cultural industry.
In a condolence message issued through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said Hassan’s decades-long career contributed significantly to the promotion of Yoruba culture and the growth of the entertainment industry in Lagos and Nigeria.
Benson-Awoyinka described the late actor as a gifted storyteller and cultural ambassador who used his craft to preserve and project Yoruba heritage.
“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage.
“Through his remarkable career, he entertained generations while showcasing and preserving the rich cultural values of the Yoruba people on stage and screen,” she said.
The commissioner said Hassan’s commitment to theatre, Yoruba culture and the wider entertainment industry had left an enduring mark on the creative landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.
She added that his body of work would continue to inspire upcoming actors, filmmakers and other practitioners in the creative sector.
“He dedicated many years to the promotion of Yoruba culture, theatre and the entertainment industry. His contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” she stated.
Benson-Awoyinka extended the ministry’s condolences to Hassan’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nollywood and creative arts community.
She said the actor’s death would be deeply felt by those who encountered his talent, passion and warmth, adding that the government prayed for strength and fortitude for his loved ones.
“His departure is a great loss to the creative and cultural community. We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” she said.
The ministry urged members of the creative community and admirers of Hassan’s work to draw inspiration from his dedication to his craft and his contribution to the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
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