Atiku, Lagos Government Mourn Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan Ogogo

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Lagos State Government have mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

Hassan, 66, reportedly died on Sunday after battling cancer. His death was confirmed by multiple sources, including the founder of Best of Nollywood, Seun Oloketuyi.

Reacting to the development in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Atiku described Hassan’s death as “deeply saddening.”

The former vice-president said it was particularly painful that the public only became aware of the actor’s battle with cancer days before his death.

He said, “Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was more than a gifted actor. Through a remarkable career, he brought laughter into countless homes, told stories that reflected our society and used his talent not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire social rebirth.”

Atiku said Hassan’s death had left “a painful void” in Nigeria’s creative community and among his numerous admirers.

“I join his family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and across the world in mourning this profound loss. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen,” Atiku said.

Similarly, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture described Hassan as a cultural icon and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the ministry said Hassan was “more than an actor,” describing him as “a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage.”

“Through his remarkable career, he entertained generations while showcasing and preserving the Yoruba rich cultural values on stage and screen,” the statement quoted Benson-Awoyinka as saying.

The commissioner said Hassan’s contributions to Yoruba culture, theatre and the entertainment industry had helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.

She added, “His contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”

The ministry extended its condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and the wider Nollywood and creative arts community, describing his death as a great loss to the cultural sector.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Benson-Awoyinka stated.

Hassan was widely recognised for his contributions to Yoruba-language theatre and Nollywood, with a career that spanned decades and earned him a strong following among Nigerian film and theatre audiences.