Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, following his death at the age of 66.
Hassan’s remains arrived in Ilaro early Monday ahead of the funeral rites, drawing family members, friends, traditional chiefs and colleagues from across the Yoruba film industry. He was subsequently buried in accordance with Islamic rites after funeral prayers.
The burial took place at about 10:50 a.m. on Monday, according to SaharaReporters, after prayers attended by relatives, friends, fellow actors and other mourners.
Among those who gathered to pay their final respects were veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko, longtime colleagues of the deceased. Actress Ireti Osayemi Bakare was also among those who attended the funeral prayers at the Ilaro Central Mosque.
The atmosphere in the Ogun town was emotional as members of the Yoruba movie community gathered for the final rites of an actor whose career spanned several decades.
Videos from the funeral showed Yinka Quadri visibly overcome with emotion as colleagues and mourners accompanied Ogogo’s remains for burial. Other established figures in the industry, including Femi Adebayo, Dele Odule, Olaiya Igwe, Mr Latin and Fathia Balogun, were also reported to have attended the ceremony.
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Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko announced his death and said the actor died at about 3 p.m. on Sunday. Kosoko also announced that the remains would be taken to Ilaro for burial the following day.
His death came days after his family disclosed that he was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance.
According to reports, Ogogo’s daughter had made an emotional public appeal for medical intervention after the family became aware of the severity of his condition. The family said it was seeking access to appropriate medical expertise rather than financial donations.
The actor’s condition had generated concern among colleagues and admirers before his death. His daughter was later seen mourning after the announcement of his passing, as news of the veteran actor’s death spread through the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The Ogun State Government also expressed sadness over Hassan’s death, describing his passing as a significant loss to the state, Nigeria’s creative sector and the country.
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The state government, through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described Hassan as a distinguished cultural figure whose work contributed to the promotion of Yoruba language, traditions and values.
For the people of Ilaro, Hassan’s death also represented the loss of one of their prominent sons. The actor was born in the Ogun State town and maintained his connection with his community throughout his life and career.
Hassan was widely recognised for his contribution to Yoruba-language cinema, working across acting, filmmaking and theatre. His career included appearances in numerous Nigerian productions and collaborations with several generations of performers.
Among his better-known screen credits was his role as the Alaafin in Anikulapo, as well as appearances in other Nigerian productions including Omo Ghetto, Elewon and Owo Blow.
His career also extended beyond acting. Hassan worked as a filmmaker and theatre practitioner and remained an established figure within the Yoruba entertainment community.
The actor was an active member of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) before his death. TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, was among those who mourned his passing.
The burial brought together members of the industry who had worked with Hassan throughout his career. Their presence reflected the long professional relationships he established within Yoruba theatre and film.
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The gathering in Ilaro followed the announcement of his death less than 24 hours earlier, leaving colleagues and admirers with little time to come to terms with the loss before the funeral rites.
Hassan’s burial was conducted in line with Islamic tradition, consistent with announcements made following his death. The funeral prayers were held before his remains were taken to the burial ground.
His passing marks the departure of another established figure from Nigeria’s older generation of screen and theatre practitioners.
For his colleagues, the loss is particularly significant because of the actor’s long presence within Yoruba entertainment and the relationships he built during his decades in the industry.
The final ceremony in Ilaro therefore brought together family, friends, traditional leaders and members of the Nigerian film community to honour Hassan and accompany him to his final resting place.
As mourners returned from the burial, tributes continued to focus on his career, his contribution to Yoruba cinema and his place in Nigeria’s entertainment history.