Tinubu mourns veteran Nollywood actor Ogogo

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his death as a major loss to the Nigerian creative community.

In a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended condolences to the actor’s family, friends, colleagues, and admirers.

The President described Hassan as a “distinguished artiste” whose decades-long career made significant contributions to the development of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

“Through his distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft, Ogogo entertained generations of Nigerians while promoting the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage,” said Tinubu.

He noted that the late actor’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, adding that his mentorship of younger artistes further reflected his lasting influence in the creative sector.

“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad.

“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community,” the President said.

Tinubu, on behalf of the Federal Government, offered “heartfelt condolences” to Hassan’s family, colleagues, friends and “millions of admirers,” praying that Almighty Allah would grant the late actor eternal rest and give his loved ones strength to bear the loss.

The President urged practitioners in the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by sustaining the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he dedicated his life.

Before his rise to fame, Hassan worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years.

He began acting in 1981, combining the profession with his mechanic job before leaving the role in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.