Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday amid tears, tributes and prayers from family members, colleagues, friends and fans.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
His burial was conducted according to Islamic rites at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro.
The funeral attracted several prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, including Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Dele Odule, Fausat Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Toyosi Adesanya, Mr Latin, Olaiya Igwe, Saheed Balogun, Fathia Balogun, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Muyideen Oladapo and Ireti Osayemi.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, was represented at the burial by the Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka.
The atmosphere turned emotional as mourners confronted the reality of the actor’s death, with several of his colleagues unable to hold back their tears.
Yinka Quadri was among those visibly overcome by emotion as he paid his final respects to his longtime friend and colleague.
Members of Ogogo’s family also wept during the ceremony, with one of his wives and his children seen crying as sympathisers offered them comfort.
Ogogo’s daughter, Kira, also shared a private conversation she had with her father on July 26, weeks before his death.
In the exchange, the actor reassured her despite his worsening condition, telling her that seeing her and her sisters happy gave him strength and urging her not to cry over his illness.
At the funeral prayer, the Wakeel Muslim for the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, described death as inevitable and urged people to live righteous lives.
Lawal also commended Ogogo’s contribution to the creative industry and urged theatre practitioners to speak out when facing challenges while remaining united.
Religious leaders prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for the deceased and asked that he be admitted into Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abiodun, Isiaka described Ogogo as an exceptional theatre practitioner and an icon whose death was painful to the state and the country.
He urged Ogogo’s children to take comfort in the fact that their father lived an impactful life and contributed to national development.
TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, described Ogogo as a “complete gentleman” and a man of reputable character.
According to Amusan, the large number of people who were willing to assist Ogogo during his illness demonstrated how much he was loved.
He urged the family to preserve the actor’s legacy, stressing that his death should not mark the end of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Tributes also came from other generations of Nollywood practitioners, including Muyiwa Ademola, Adebayo Salami, Kunle Afod, Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Nkechi Blessing and Damilola Bankole.
Ademola described Ogogo as one of the biggest talents produced by the Nigerian film industry and said his death marked “the end of an era”.
Gospel singer Tope Alabi also mourned the actor, describing him as a good example to the younger generation.
Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, broke down in tears during a performance on Sunday after learning of Ogogo’s death.
Ogogo’s death has been widely regarded as a major loss to the Yoruba film industry.
His career spanned more than four decades, during which he became known for memorable portrayals of traditional rulers, chiefs, fathers, warriors and other culturally rooted characters.
For Ilaro residents, his burial was also a homecoming for a prominent son who contributed to the promotion of Yoruba culture and storytelling through theatre and film.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, also expressed sadness over the actor’s death, recalling his commitment to his people and promising continued support for his immediate family.
