UPDATED: Ogogo buried in Ilaro

Veteran actor and screenwriter Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan was buried at his residence in Ilaro, Ogun State, shortly after a special prayer for him at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion.

Kira, one of Ogogo’s daughters, confirmed on her Instagram page that the actor was buried on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites. “God, they’ve buried my daddy,” she wrote.

Several of Ogogo’s colleagues, friends and associates attended the burial to pay their final respects. They included Madam Saje, Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Toyosi Adesanya, Ireti Osayemi, Sunny Alli, and Muyideen “Lala” Oladapo.

Others included Owolabi Ajasa, Saidi Balogun, Fathia Balogun, Kola Ajeyemi, Sanusi Izihaq, and Kudirat Abeniade.

The mourners struggled to contain their emotions as they accompanied Ogogo’s remains to his final resting place, with several of his colleagues breaking down in tears.

Before the burial, Ogogo’s colleagues, friends and associates paid tribute to him, recalling his kindness and describing him as a man who brought joy to those around him and lived a meaningful life.

His close friend, Quadri, was particularly emotional, as he was seen crying uncontrollably before and after Ogogo’s burial.

Backstory

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the actor died on Sunday after battling stage-four cancer. His remains arrived in his hometown, Ilaro, late on Sunday, drawing mourners who gathered to honour the late film icon and console his family.

Ogogo’s death followed an appeal by his daughters, Kira and Haleemah, who revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer and urged Nigerians to help the family explore possible treatment options, including traditional medicine, after alleging that a hospital had refused to treat him.

The sisters clarified that they were not seeking financial donations. Their appeal, however, prompted members of the public to offer assistance, including recommendations for hospitals and traditionalist homes where the actor could receive treatment.

As Ogogo battled for his life, his colleagues rallied around him, sought medical assistance and organised a prayer session where they asked God to intervene and restore his health.

Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while working as a mechanic. He later left his job with the water corporation in 1994 to pursue acting as a full-time career.

Before his death, Ogogo appeared in numerous films, including “Atitebi”, “Agbelebu”, “Agbo-Odaju”, “Danfo Driver”, “Owo Blow”, “Amerah”, “Aníkúlápó”, “Bank Alert”, “IGE”, and “Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre”, among others.