Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has joined the growing tributes to veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death at the age of 66.
Hassan died at about 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, after battling stage-four cancer. His death came days after news of his illness became public.
Reacting to the development in a message shared on X, Atiku described the actor’s death as deeply saddening.
He said the timing of the loss made it particularly painful, coming shortly after Nigerians learnt of Hassan’s health condition.
Atiku also reflected on the actor’s contribution to Nigerian entertainment, describing him as more than a talented performer.
According to the former vice president, Hassan used his career to entertain audiences while also telling stories that reflected society and encouraged positive change.
He said the actor’s death would leave a significant gap in Nigeria’s creative industry and among the millions of people who followed his work.
Atiku extended his condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and beyond.
He also prayed for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Hassan was one of the prominent figures in Yoruba cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades and hundreds of film appearances. His death has triggered tributes from actors, politicians, fans and other entertainment industry figures.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements have been announced for the late actor. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko said Hassan’s remains would be taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, for a lying-in-state ceremony on Monday, August 24, at 11 a.m. at the Pavilion.
