President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s creative sector.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues, friends and admirers.
The President described Ogogo as an accomplished artiste whose long career contributed significantly to the development of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
Tinubu also praised the actor for his distinctive acting style, strong screen presence and efforts to promote Yoruba culture through his work.
According to the President, Hassan used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve aspects of the country’s cultural heritage and entertain audiences both within Nigeria and abroad.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added that the actor’s death would be felt beyond his immediate family and colleagues.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood, and the entire Nigerian creative community,” the President said.
Tinubu, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor and strength for those mourning him.
Ogogo died on Sunday after battling stage-four cancer.
His remains were buried on Monday in Ilaro, Ogun State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The actor’s death has drawn tributes from across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with colleagues and public figures reflecting on his decades-long contribution to Yoruba-language theatre and film.
