Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Buried In Ilaro Amid Tears
Tears flowed in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, were laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
The 66-year-old actor was buried at about 10:50am after funeral prayers attended by family members, friends, colleagues, traditional chiefs and other mourners who gathered to pay their final respects.
Ogogo’s remains reportedly arrived in his hometown early Monday morning ahead of the burial. By about 9am, members of his family and close friends had assembled for the funeral rites, while prominent figures from the Yoruba movie industry, including veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko, arrived in Ilaro to mourn their colleague.
Nollywood actress Ireti Osayemi Bakare was also among the actors and actresses who gathered at the Ilaro Central Mosque for the funeral prayers.
Following the prayers, the actor’s remains were taken to the burial ground, where traditional chiefs from his hometown joined family members, friends and colleagues in accompanying him to his final resting place.
Ogogo’s burial came a day after news of his death emerged. The veteran actor reportedly died after his health deteriorated following a battle with stage four cancer.
In the days leading up to his death, Ogogo’s family and management had disclosed his condition and appealed for urgent medical intervention. His family clarified that they were seeking access to appropriate medical care rather than financial donations.
One of Ogogo’s daughters had earlier made an emotional appeal, saying the family only became aware of the severity of his condition about three weeks earlier. She said they were searching for a hospital or medical professional capable of providing the treatment he needed.
The appeal generated significant public attention, with the actor’s management later revealing that more than 500 people offered to assist with his treatment.
Jide Kosoko, who spoke on behalf of the management team, explained that the large number of offers created logistical challenges because Ogogo was already receiving treatment in a hospital. He said the major difficulty was determining where the actor could be moved to and how he could be safely transferred while undergoing treatment.
Ogogo’s death has left a major void in the Yoruba film industry, where he spent several decades and became one of its most recognisable veteran actors.
