Lagos Government Mourns Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’

The Lagos State Government has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

The state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described Hassan’s death as a major loss to the creative and cultural community.

Benson-Awoyinka extended the ministry’s condolences to the actor’s family, friends, colleagues and members of the Nollywood and wider creative arts community.

The commissioner described Hassan as more than an actor, noting that he played an important role in promoting and preserving Yoruba culture through his decades-long career.

According to her, the late actor was a custodian of culture and a gifted storyteller who used his work on stage and screen to showcase Yoruba heritage while entertaining generations of Nigerians.

She said Hassan’s contributions to Yoruba culture, theatre and the entertainment industry helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage,” Benson-Awoyinka said.

She added that his dedication to the creative sector had left a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations.

The ministry also commiserated with Hassan’s family and the entire Nollywood community, describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to those who were touched by his talent, passion and warmth.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” the commissioner stated.

Hassan, who died at the age of 66 after battling cancer, was one of the notable figures in Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning several decades as an actor, producer and filmmaker.

His death has continued to attract tributes from government officials, colleagues and admirers across Nigeria.