Tears, Tributes As Veteran Actor Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan Is Buried In Ilaro

Profound grief enveloped Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor and screenwriter, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, were laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

Ogogo reportedly died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 67, following a prolonged battle with stage-four cancer.

His remains were brought to his hometown, Ilaro, on Sunday, where family members, friends, residents and fans gathered to mourn the late film icon and console his family.

Ahead of his final interment, a special prayer session was held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro, attracting a large crowd and several prominent figures from the Yoruba film industry.

The Janazah prayers were led by Islamic scholars and leaders from the Ilaro Muslim community, with Ogogo’s remains prepared and wrapped in the traditional white shroud, known as Kafan.

In his sermon, the officiating cleric described the late actor as a disciplined, peaceful and devout Muslim who used his talent and influence to promote moral values.

At about 10:50 a.m., amid prayers and chants of “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), Ogogo’s remains were lowered into the grave at his private residence in Ilaro. Clerics thereafter prayed for the repose of his soul and his admission into Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

The burial attracted several prominent actors and entertainment industry figures, including Ogogo’s close friend and colleague of more than four decades, Yinka Quadri, who was visibly devastated and wept throughout the funeral rites.

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who coordinated the burial announcements on behalf of the family and community, was also present.

Other colleagues who attended the ceremony included Femi Adebayo, Bolaji Amusa (Mr Latin), Dele Odule, Ireti Osayemi, Toyosi Adesanya, Sunny Alli, Muyideen “Lala” Oladapo, Ebun Oloyede (Olaiya Igwe), Faithia Balogun, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Taiwo Akinwande (Wunmi), Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Bisi Ibidapo-Obe and several others.

Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while working as a mechanic. He later left his job at the water corporation in 1994 to pursue acting as a full-time career.

Over the decades, he established himself as one of the respected figures in the Nigerian film industry, featuring in numerous productions, including Atitebi, Agbelebu, Agbo-Odaju, Danfo Driver, Owo Blow, Amerah, Aníkúlápó, Bank Alert, IGE and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, among others.

His death has continued to attract tributes from colleagues, fans and stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment industry, who have described him as a significant contributor to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema.

As his remains were committed to the earth in his hometown, colleagues, friends and fans mourned the loss of a celebrated actor whose decades-long career left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s film industry.