The Ogun and Lagos State Governments have mourned the death of veteran actor and filmmaker, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria’s creative industry and cultural heritage.
The Ogun State Government, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described Hassan’s death as a monumental loss to the state, the Nigerian creative industry and the nation.
The government said the Ilaro-born actor was not only an accomplished performer but also a cultural ambassador whose talent, discipline and commitment helped promote Yoruba culture and heritage to audiences in Nigeria and beyond.
It noted that throughout his career, Hassan distinguished himself through exceptional artistry, humility, candour, dignity and professionalism, earning the respect of colleagues, fans and generations of Nigerians.
According to the statement, Ogogo remained a proud ambassador of his roots and contributed significantly through theatre, film and television to the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the Yoruba language, traditions and values.
“His passing has therefore created a painful void that will be deeply felt—not only by his immediate family and the people of Ilaro and Ogun State, but also by the Nigerian artistic community, his countless admirers and the millions of people who encountered his work and were inspired by his talent,” the statement said.
The Ogun Government expressed condolences to Hassan’s family, friends, colleagues, the people of Ilaro and his fans across Nigeria and beyond, while celebrating his life and enduring contributions to the arts.
It prayed that God would grant his soul eternal rest and give his family and other mourners the strength to bear the loss.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed condolences to the late actor’s family, friends, associates and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Hassan’s death as deeply painful and a major loss to Nigeria, particularly the creative sector.
The governor said Ogogo was a bundle of talent who used his God-given gift to entertain and positively influence society.
“Through his numerous cinematic performances, Ogogo mirrored the society, moulded character and left a lasting impact on many generations of film lovers,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged the actor’s family, friends, colleagues, fans and other practitioners in the entertainment industry to find solace in God, noting that Hassan lived a fulfilled life and was widely celebrated for his contributions to Nigerian cinema.
He said the actor’s death had created a vacuum in the entertainment industry that would take time to fill, adding that he would be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and admirers.
The governor prayed that God would grant Hassan eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family, colleagues and friends the strength to bear the loss.
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