President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late actor as a distinguished artiste whose decades-long career made a lasting contribution to Yoruba-language theatre and the Nigerian film industry.
The President said Hassan’s distinctive acting style, commanding screen presence and commitment to his craft earned him a special place in the hearts of generations of Nigerians, while helping to promote Yoruba culture and the country’s rich 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,” Mr Tinubu said.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community.”
The President also highlighted Ogogo’s influence on younger artistes, saying his mentorship and contribution to the creative sector had strengthened his enduring legacy.
He urged members of the creative community and Nigerians to honour the late actor by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
From mechanic to Nollywood icon
Before achieving fame in the entertainment industry, Ogogo worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years.
He began his acting career in 1981 while continuing to work as a mechanic. In 1994, he left the job to pursue acting full-time, eventually establishing himself as one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and urged Nigerians to remember his decades of service to the arts and his role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
