Ogun Governor, Mr Latin, Nollywood Stars Bid Ogogo Final Farewell

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the National President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, and other Nollywood stars have joined hundreds of sympathisers to bid veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, a final farewell.

The mourners gathered at the Agunloye Ashade Pavilion in Ilaro on Monday for the Muslim funeral prayers of the actor, who died on Sunday after battling stage-four cancer.

Representing Governor Abiodun at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, described Ogogo as an exceptional theatre practitioner and an iconic figure whose death was a painful loss to his family, the entertainment industry and Nigeria.

The governor said, “We are here this morning to join the family, friends, and indeed the whole of Nigeria to mourn the demise of Mr Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo—a true icon, a proud Yoruba man, somebody that you are always proud to associate with and say this indeed is my brother.

“Today, we are mourning him, and I believe that we are all learning from him. Because the last time I saw Mr Ogogo was when he came to my office to come and see his daughter, this means that Ogogo, apart from being an icon in town, is also a father to his children.

“So today, I want to implore everybody, especially the children, to believe in God, that nothing can happen without the knowledge of Allah. It has happened, though sadly and full of sorrow, but what else can we do? We cannot query God. Because of that, take solace in the fact that he lived a very good life.”

Abiodun expressed his appreciation to the people, especially members of the entertainment industry, for standing by the deceased’s family at such a trying time.

The governor urged the deceased’s family and other mourners to take solace in the fact that Ogogo lived an impactful life and made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and society.

Also speaking, TAMPAN President, Mr Latin, described Ogogo as a gentleman of impeccable character and a man loved by many, saying his death had left a huge void in the entertainment industry.

He said, “Ogogo was a complete gentleman, a man of reputable character. He’s a man of the people; this was evident when he was sick; people unknown to me were all eager to help, but he is gone now.”

Amusan urged the family of the deceased to keep alive the enduring legacy of the late thespian.

He said, “My charge is that the family should keep his legacy going. Ogogo is dead, but his legacy should be kept alive.”

At the funeral, the Wakeel Muslim for the South-West, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, urged Nigerians to live upright lives, noting that death was inevitable. He also encouraged theatre practitioners to speak out when facing challenges and remain united in difficult times.

Ogogo’s death was confirmed on Sunday by multiple sources, including the founder of Best of Nollywood, Seun Oloketuyi. His daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had earlier appealed for assistance after doctors reportedly informed the family that chemotherapy could no longer be administered due to his condition.

The veteran actor was widely regarded as one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema, leaving behind a significant body of work and a lasting legacy in the Nigerian film industry.

Photo Credit: Bankole Taiwo.