Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Nollywood actors gathered in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday to bid farewell to veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, with tributes highlighting his mentorship, influence and contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Among those who attended the burial were veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko, as well as Toyosi Adesanya, Ireti Osayemi, Femi Adebayo, Faithia Balogun, Mr Latin and Bisi Omo Logbalogba.
Quadri, who had a long-standing relationship with Ogogo and supported him during his illness, was visibly emotional during the burial. He was seen crying as mourners consoled him while Ogogo’s remains were taken to the burial ground for the Islamic rites.
Adesanya, who described Ogogo as her mentor, said the late actor played a significant role in shaping her career and that of many other practitioners. She said she joined the Yinka Quadri-led Odunfa Caucus in 1994 and spent 10 years training under Ogogo and other senior actors.
“My name is Toyosi Adesanya. I’m one of the protege of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. I joined them in the year 1994 under the auspices of Alhaji Yinka Quadri, Alhaji Abbey Lanre, Alhaji Araosan.
“I trained for 10 years at Odumfa Caucus. My late boss was a man of integrity. He’s an epitome of simplicity. He trained me out of chance ,” she said.
She recalled that rehearsals were held several times a week at Odunfa Caucus and praised Ogogo for treating his trainees like members of his family.
“Ogogo is one in a million. We fondly call him Sir T, Omo Abuguloko…And I will never forget all his efforts.
“Whenever we had rehearsals, he treated everybody like his own children,” she said.
Adesanya also recalled Ogogo’s support when she produced her first film in 2002, saying he stood by her alongside Yinka Quadri.
“When I was producing my first movie in 2002, he stood by me alongside Alhaji Yinka Quadri,” she said.
The actress said Ogogo’s influence extended far beyond his own acting career.
“Ogogo was the one who paved the way for so many actors. Ogogo is loved. Everybody loves him,” she said.
She recalled how members of the public recognised and celebrated Ogogo during a trip to the burial of veteran filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Adelove, in January 1997.
“I remember the day when we were going for Adelove’s burial in January 1997.
“We had a stopover at Lalupon. We saw some set of women coming around, Ogogo, sing Ogogo for me. Everybody should know Ogogo, Ogogo, the fantastic actor, handsome man.”
Adesanya, who said she was devastated by Ogogo’s illness and death, added, “I don’t want to dwell too much. My late boss, rest in the bosom of Allah. We love you,” she said.
Ogogo died at 3pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling stage-four cancer. His daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had earlier appealed for medical assistance, with Kaira disclosing that doctors had said chemotherapy could no longer be administered because of his condition.
The actor’s death has also attracted tributes from public figures and institutions. The Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described him as a cultural icon and ambassador of Yoruba heritage.
“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage,” she said.
Meanwhile, actor Amokade Olatayo, popularly known as Ijebu, used the period of mourning to appeal for forgiveness from anyone he may have offended, including colleagues and family members.
“Good morning, everyone. My heart is so heavy this morning. I have been awake since 6am My heart is so heavy,” he said.
He added, “I would like to come out straight and say this to all my family, to everyone, also in the movie industry and outside the industry. If there’s anyone that I have offended in one way or the other, please forgive me.
“My boss, my workers, the younger ones behind me and my colleagues in the movie industry, I want to use this medium to beg you all for forgiveness. I’m a sinner; please forgive me.”
Ijebu said he also forgave those who had offended him, stressing the need for people to resolve conflicts while they are alive.
“My heart is so heavy. I’m making this video to make peace with everyone in order to reduce the burden on my heart. And I’m also here to tell everyone who has offended me that I have forgiven you,” he said.
“We came to this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing. We don’t have any reason to be fighting ourselves. Life is too short,” Ijebu said.
Ogogo spent more than four decades in the Nigerian film industry, featuring in hundreds of films and becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba-language cinema. His burial in Ilaro followed a lying-in-state ceremony and Islamic prayers attended by family members, colleagues, friends and well-wishers.
