President Tinubu mourns veteran actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

The President, in a condolence message issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the late actor as a distinguished artiste whose decades-long career contributed significantly to the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

Tinubu said Hassan entertained generations of Nigerians through his distinctive acting style and powerful screen presence, while also promoting Yoruba culture and the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

He said the actor’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, noting that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes had further strengthened his legacy in the creative industry.

“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad.

“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community,” the President said.

Tinubu extended his condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues, friends and admirers, praying that Allah would grant the late actor eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

He also urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.

Hassan began his acting career in 1981 while working as a mechanic with the Ogun State Water Corporation.

He combined acting with his job for about 13 years before leaving the water corporation in 1994 to pursue acting as a full-time career.