The Lagos State Government has mourned the death of veteran actor and cultural icon, Taiwo Hassan, also known as Ogogo.
The state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in a statement issued on Sunday, and posted on the X page of the Lagos State Government described Mr Hassan as a distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage whose career contributed significantly to Nigeria’s creative and cultural industry.
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The statement signed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the actor was not only an entertainer but also a custodian of Yoruba culture and a gifted storyteller who used his career to promote the heritage.
“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage,” the commissioner said.
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According to her, Mr Hassan’s work on stage and screen helped preserve Yoruba cultural values while entertaining generations of Nigerians.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka said the actor’s contributions helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
The ministry extended its condolences to Mr Hassan’s family, friends, colleagues and members of the Nollywood and wider creative arts community.
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She prayed for the repose of the actor’s soul and for strength for his family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones to cope with the loss.
“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,” Mrs Benson-Awoyinka said.
Ogogo
Ogogo died on Sunday, 23 August, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional social media broadcast, while veteran actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed the development and announced arrangements for his burial in Ilaro, Ogun State.
The actor’s death came days after his family disclosed his cancer diagnosis and sought assistance for his treatment. His remains were subsequently taken to Ilaro, where burial rites were scheduled for Monday, 24 August.
READ ALSO: Ogogo’s burial underway in Ilaro (PHOTOS)
Born on 31 October, 1959 in Ilaro, Mr Hassan trained as an automobile mechanic before venturing into acting. He began acting in 1981 while working at the Lagos State Water Corporation and eventually left government employment in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
His transition from mechanic to actor marked the beginning of a career that lasted more than four decades. He became a prominent figure in Yoruba-language cinema, working not only as an actor but also as a producer, director and screenwriter.
Mr Hassan featured in several Yoruba and English-language productions, including Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto, Aníkúlápó, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre and Tenant of the House. His long career and distinctive presence made him one of the recognisable figures in Nigeria’s Yoruba film industry.
His death has since drawn tributes from colleagues and others in the entertainment industry, with burial activities taking place in his hometown of Ilaro.
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