Tinubu Mourns Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late actor as a distinguished artiste whose decades-long career contributed significantly to the development of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

Tinubu said Hassan’s distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and commitment to his craft enabled him to entertain generations of Nigerians while promoting Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The President also noted that Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, stressing that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further demonstrated his enduring 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,” Tinubu said.

He described the actor’s death as a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the wider Nigerian creative community.

“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,” the President added.

Tinubu urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and advancing the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he dedicated his life.

Before becoming a household name in the Nigerian film industry, Hassan worked as a mechanic at the Lagos State Water Corporation for about 13 years.

He began his acting career in 1981 while combining the profession with his mechanic job. He eventually left the job in 1994 to pursue acting as a full-time career.

The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor’s soul.