Atiku, Lagos mourn veteran actor Ogogo

Veteran actor and screenwriter Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan (PHOTO CREDIT: Instagram@Ogogotaiwohassan)

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Lagos State Government have mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

Hassan, 66, died on Sunday after battling cancer, with his death confirmed by multiple sources, including the founder of Best of Nollywood, Seun Oloketuyi.

Reacting to the actor’s death, Atiku described the development as “deeply saddening,” saying it was particularly painful that the public became aware of Hassan’s battle with cancer only days before his death.

He said, “Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was more than a gifted actor. Through a remarkable career, he brought laughter into countless homes, told stories that reflected our society and used his talent not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire social rebirth.”

The former Vice-President added that Hassan’s death had left “a painful void” in Nigeria’s creative community and among his numerous admirers.

“I join his family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and across the world in mourning this profound loss. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen,” Atiku said.

Similarly, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture described Hassan as a cultural icon and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage.

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In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the ministry said Hassan was “more than an actor,” describing him as “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 Yoruba rich cultural values on stage and screen,” the statement quoted Benson-Awoyinka as saying.

She said Hassan’s contributions to Yoruba culture, theatre and the entertainment industry had helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.

The commissioner added, “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.”

The ministry extended its condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and the wider Nollywood and creative arts community, describing his death as a great loss to the cultural sector.

“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,” Benson-Awoyinka stated.