Nollywood was thrown into mourning on Sunday following the death of veteran actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Hassan, 66, died after a battle with stage-four cancer, bringing to an end a career that spanned more than four decades and established him as one of the most recognisable faces of Yoruba cinema. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Hassan, and veteran actor Jide Kosoko.
The actor was buried on Monday, August 24, in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites. Family members, colleagues, friends, fans and residents gathered at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground to pay their final respects to the actor, whose career contributed to Yoruba-language cinema.
The outpouring of tributes that followed his death reflected the breadth of his influence, with colleagues describing him variously as a friend, mentor, brother, cultural ambassador and one of the industry’s enduring figures of his time.
Among the most emotional tributes came from his longtime friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, who described Hassan as more than a friend.
Recalling their nearly four-decade relationship, Quadri said their disagreements never diminished their bond, noting that the pair often surprised colleagues who expected them to remain estranged after a misunderstanding.
He also recalled his final visit to Hassan in hospital.
According to Quadri, Hassan, despite his condition, tried to reassure him when he saw him crying, telling him: ‘Yinka, don’t cry. Nothing bad will happen to me.’
Quadri said he remained grateful for the life his friend lived and the memories they shared, adding that Hassan’s death had left a void that could not be filled.
Veteran actor Dele Odule, who described Hassan as a friend and brother of nearly 40 years, also mourned the loss.
Odule recalled Hassan as a ‘genuinely down to earth free spirited man’ whose loyalty and generosity extended beyond tribal and religious boundaries.
He also highlighted Hassan’s contribution to Yoruba theatre and cinema, describing him as an ‘action man’ and a legend who carried the craft with pride.
For veteran actor Adebayo Salami, the death marked the end of an era.
‘The action has ended, the actor is no more,’ Salami wrote, adding, ‘Erin wo!!!’ as he prayed for Allah to accept Hassan’s return.
Actor Muyiwa Ademola reflected on Hassan’s longevity and relevance, recalling the impact of his performances in films including ‘Legal Wife’ and ‘Owo Blow.’ He described Ogogo as one of the biggest names to emerge from the Nigerian movie industry and said his career made pursuing acting more attractive to younger generations.
Veteran actress Joke Silva, while admitting that she did not know Hassan closely, said she knew his work and regarded that as its own kind of knowing.
Silva praised the seriousness and thoughtfulness he brought to his performances, saying his body of work would continue to speak after his death.
Odunlade Adekola, in a brief tribute, described Hassan simply as ‘a great star’ and ‘great legend.’
President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, aka Mr Latin, described Hassan’s death as the end of an era.
He said the late actor lived a remarkable life, touched countless hearts and left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s entertainment industry and culture.
Hassan’s influence was also acknowledged by major players in the film business.
Film distribution company Cinemax described him as a legend whose career spanned more than four decades, pointing to his performances in ‘Owo Blow,’ ‘Aníkúlápó,’ ‘Seven Doors’ and ‘Gingerrr.’
The company noted that his ability to remain relevant across generations demonstrated the depth of his craft and contribution to Nigerian storytelling.
FilmOne similarly honoured Hassan for his decades of work across Yoruba cinema and Nollywood, describing him as a veteran actor, filmmaker and icon whose stories and performances touched generations.
Beyond the tributes from colleagues, Hassan’s death has also drawn recognition from Ogun and Lagos states. The Ogun State Government described his death as a monumental loss to the state, the creative industry and the nation, while acknowledging his role in promoting Yoruba culture and Nigerian storytelling.
In the same vein, the Lagos State government noted that Ogogo’s passing is deeply painful and a great loss to Nigeria’s creative industry. The state described Ogogo as a gifted actor who used his talent to entertain and tell stories that reflected the society.
Born in Ilaro, Hassan became one of the defining figures of Yoruba-language cinema, building a reputation through his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and portrayal of culturally rooted characters. His career moved across theatre, film and television, with his work spanning generations of Nigerian audiences.
For an industry accustomed to losing its veterans, the death of Ogogo has nonetheless struck a particularly deep chord. From the actors who shared the stage and screen with him to younger performers who grew up watching his films, the tributes have underscored the scale of his contribution.
As his colleagues continue to mourn, Hassan leaves behind not only a catalogue of memorable performances but also a generation of actors and filmmakers influenced by his presence.