Prominent Nigerians have continued to mourn veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who will be buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, following his death on Sunday at the age of 66.

Hassan reportedly died at about 3pm on Sunday after battling stage-four cancer.

The burial arrangements were announced by veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, in a statement shared on his Instagram page.

The statement read, “With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of ALHAJI TAIWO HASSAN, popularly known as OGOGO, who passed away at 3:00 p.m. today Sunday, 23rd August 2026. At 66 years.

“His remains will be taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State today where the Laying-in-State Ceremony will take place tomorrow.

“Date: Monday, 24th August 2026. Time: 11:00 a.m.Venue: Pavillon, Ilaro, Ogun State.”

In a statement released on Sunday by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the government described Ogogo as “a shining light” whose talent, discipline and commitment helped elevate Nigerian culture and project the richness of Yoruba heritage to audiences in Nigeria and beyond.

The statement said, “Throughout his illustrious career, Taiwo Hassan distinguished himself by his exceptional artistry, humility, candour, dignity and respect for others.

“He carried himself with uncommon grace and professionalism, earning the admiration of colleagues, fans and generations of Nigerians.”

The state government further noted that as an Ilaro-born indigene, Ogogo remained a proud ambassador of his roots and contributed to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba language, traditions and values through theatre, film and television.

The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for Ogun State and the Senator representing OgunWest, Solomon Adeola, fondly called Yayi alsoexpressed great sadness and regrets at the demise of veteran actor, Taiwo Hasan, popularly called Ogogoafter battle with ailment diagnosed to be cancer.

A condolence message to the family of the late actor signed by the Media Adviser to the senator, described the death of Ogogo “as a monumental loss to the creative and entertainment industry” strsssing that his demise at this time is loss to the family, Ogun State and indeed, Nigeria.

It read in part, “I am greatly saddened by the death of a brother who believed and worked assiduously for my cause and the cause of our people. I sympathize with his immediate family for their efforts and struggles to keep the dearly departed alive following his illness. God knows best in all circumstances “the senator stated.

The senator also promised to continue to support the immediate family in their hour of need adding that the good deeds of the patriarch of the family to the society will not be forgotten.

Popular actor, Odunlade Adekola, wrote on Instagram, “He was a great star till his last day. Good night. Great legend.”

Another popular actor, Femi Adebayo, also wrote on social media, “Sir T…some people leave behind memories. Some leave behind a legacy that time can never erase. Thank you for the years, the stories, the lessons and the moments that made us fall in love with the craft. You were a true pillar of Yoruba cinema, and your impact will live on in generations to come.

“Rest well, Sir Taiwo Hassan. You will forever be Ogoto to us. Adieu, legend.”

Actor and filmmaker, Saidi Balogun, wrote on Instagram, “You can rest now my brother Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. May Almighty Allah guide you through Aljannah. This is truly painful.”

Another actor, Bolanle Ninalowo, wrote, “I was truly fortunate to have met you, and shared the screem with you, baba Ogogo. Rest on, legend. Thank you for paving the way for me and many others.”

Ogogo’s death came only days after the Yoruba film industry had rallied around him in an effort to save his life after his family disclosed that he was battling stage-four cancer.

His daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, had earlier taken to social media to appeal for urgent medical assistance, saying they were desperate to find specialists and facilities capable of treating their father.

The development triggered a huge response from Nigerians, with actors, politicians, medical professionals, spiritual leaders and fans offering different forms of assistance.

Daughter’s desperate appeal

The seriousness of Ogogo’s condition became public on August 17, when his daughters separately appealed for help.

Lima said the family had only recently become aware of how serious their father’s condition was, adding that his physical appearance had initially not suggested the severity of the illness.

She appealed to anyone capable of taking on the case to intervene, stressing that the family was seeking medical assistance rather than financial donations.

Kira, in another emotional video, disclosed that Ogogo had stage-four cancer and claimed that the hospital treating him could no longer administer chemotherapy.

“Hello everyone, I’m here for my daddy. He has cancer and is in stage four,” she said, appealing to anyone who could provide treatment to contact the family.

She also revealed the emotional toll the illness was taking on the family, saying her father had expressed his fear of dying and that she had never seen him in such pain.

The appeals immediately attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in Nollywood.

Actor Femi Adebayo called for Nigerians to rally around Ogogo and help the family find medical professionals and facilities that could review his medical records and offer treatment options. Actress Toyin Abraham also shared the daughters’ appeal and asked anyone who could help to contact the family.

Colleagues rally to save him

As the news of Ogogo’s condition spread, members of the Yoruba film community moved quickly to support him.

Veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, became involved in coordinating the numerous offers of assistance. He disclosed that more than 300 people, and eventually possibly over 500, had contacted the family with offers of medical, spiritual and other interventions.

The sheer volume of offers, however, created another challenge of determining which interventions were credible and potentially beneficial without moving Ogogo from the hospital while he was seriously ill.

Kosoko explained that some people offering spiritual or other forms of assistance wanted the actor brought to them, but that moving him from the hospital was extremely difficult because of his condition.

Several prominent actors, including Kosoko, Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Salami, Mr Latin, Adewale Elesho and Antar Laniyan, were also captured in a video praying for Ogogo and seeking divine intervention for his recovery.

Despite the extensive efforts, the actor eventually succumbed to the illness. (Punch)

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