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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has described the death of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as a major loss to Nigeria’s creative industry and cultural heritage.
Tinubu, in a condolence message issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Ogogo’s decades-long career made significant contributions to the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.
The President said the late actor used his talent, distinctive acting style and powerful screen presence to entertain generations of Nigerians while showcasing the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, while his mentorship and influence on younger artistes had further cemented his legacy in the creative industry.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.
The President extended the condolences of the Federal Government to Hassan’s family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers, praying that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Before his rise to fame, Ogogo worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years.
He began acting in 1981 while combining the profession with his mechanic job, before leaving the corporation in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.
