Juliet Oladele, Reporting
EMOTIONAL SCENES IN ILARO as veterans of Nigeria’s film industry gathered to pay their final respects to beloved Yoruba cinema icon, Taiwo Hassan – better known to millions of fans as ‘Ogogo’.
The remains of the veteran Nollywood actor, who passed away at the age of 66, arrived in his hometown of Ilaro on Monday for his final rites, drawing a sombre crowd of family members, friends, residents and some of the most recognisable faces from the entertainment industry.
Among those present to honour the late thespian were veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko, alongside actresses Ireti Osayemi and Toyosi Adesanya, who joined their colleagues in bidding a poignant farewell to a man they described as a mentor, colleague and friend.
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as Ogogo’s remains were received in the town, with those who knew and worked alongside him gathering for one last opportunity to pay tribute.
For decades, Taiwo Hassan stood as one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba-language cinema. His commanding screen presence, distinctive vocal delivery and memorable portrayals of traditional and authoritative characters made him a household name across Nigeria and beyond.
His passing has sent shockwaves through the Yoruba film community, where he was revered not simply as an accomplished actor but as a veteran whose decades-long career played a pivotal role in shaping the industry and preserving the rich traditions of Yoruba storytelling.
The impressive turnout of colleagues in Ilaro bore testament to the deep bonds Ogogo forged throughout his career. For many, Monday’s gathering represented far more than a burial ceremony – it was a final chance to honour a man who had touched their lives both professionally and personally.
The funeral rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions, with the late actor’s remains laid to rest in his hometown.
As Nigeria’s entertainment industry bids farewell to one of its finest, the legacy of Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ endures through the films, characters and cherished memories he leaves behind.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
