The Lagos State Government has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his passing as a major loss to the creative and cultural community.
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in a condolence statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, extended heartfelt condolences to the late actor’s family, friends, colleagues and the entire Nollywood and creative arts community.
Benson-Awoyinka described Taiwo Hassan as more than an actor, saying the veteran entertainer was a custodian of culture, gifted storyteller and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage.
“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage,” the commissioner said.
She noted that through his remarkable career, Ogogo entertained generations of Nigerians while showcasing and preserving Yoruba cultural values on stage and screen.
According to her, the late actor dedicated many years to promoting Yoruba culture, theatre and the entertainment industry, while his contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.
The commissioner said Ogogo left behind a lasting legacy that would continue to inspire generations of actors, filmmakers and cultural practitioners.
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture also commiserated with the actor’s family, colleagues in Nollywood and everyone who was touched by his talent, passion and warmth.
“His departure is a great loss to the creative and cultural community,” the statement said.
The ministry prayed that Almighty God would grant the late actor eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Taiwo Hassan Ogogo was one of the prominent figures in Yoruba cinema, with a career spanning several decades.