Yoruba Cinema Mourns as Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Goes Home in Ilaro

Veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, following his death at the age of 66.

Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a career spanning several decades and making a lasting impact on Yoruba-language cinema.

The actor was buried on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites after funeral prayers held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro.

The burial attracted family members, friends, residents of the community and several leading figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry, who gathered to honour the late actor and bid him farewell.

Among those in attendance were veteran actors Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Mister Latin, Dele Odule, Olaiya Igwe, Fathia Balogun and Kolawole Ajeyemi.

Tributes continued to pour in as colleagues described Ogogo as an influential figure whose contribution to Yoruba cinema helped preserve and promote Nigerian culture through film and theatre.

Beyond his acting career, Hassan was also a filmmaker and screenwriter, with a body of work that earned him recognition among generations of Nigerian film lovers.

From Mechanic to Screen Icon

Before establishing himself in the entertainment industry, Ogogo worked as a mechanic with the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years.

He began acting in 1981 while still combining the profession with his mechanic job. In 1994, he left the corporation to pursue acting as a full-time career.

His transition from mechanic to one of the recognised faces of Yoruba cinema became an important part of his personal story and career journey.

With his death, the Yoruba film industry has lost one of its veteran voices, while colleagues, fans and admirers continue to remember his contribution to Nigerian entertainment and cultural storytelling.