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President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his passing as a major loss to the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and Nigeria’s wider creative sector.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. He was buried on Monday in Ilaro, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites.
In a condolence message issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his sympathies to the actor’s family, colleagues, friends and admirers.
The President described Ogogo as a gifted entertainer whose decades-long career contributed significantly to the development of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
Tinubu also commended the late actor for using his craft to promote Nigerian stories and preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
“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,” the President said.
He described Ogogo’s death as a significant loss to his family and the creative industry.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood, and the entire Nigerian creative community,” Tinubu added.
The President, on behalf of the Federal Government, condoled with the bereaved family and others affected by the actor’s death.
He also prayed for the repose of Ogogo’s soul and asked God to give his loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.
“I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Tinubu said.
Ogogo was one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades and hundreds of film appearances.
