By JOY AKINSANYA

Veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as “Ogogo”, was on Monday laid to rest after the Janazah prayer at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Ilaro in Ogun.

The burial rites attracted family members, friends, colleagues, political leaders and other well-wishers, who gathered to pay their last respects to the late actor and movie producer.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Imam Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, said the widespread public mourning reflected Hassan’s good character during his lifetime.

“The massive outpouring of grief shows the kind of person Taiwo Hassan was, while alive.

“His death is a great loss to the Yoruba movie industry and the Islamic community,” he said.

Mustapha-Adewunmi noted that Hassan frequently reflected his faith and cultural background in his movie roles.

He urged the living to “lead exemplary lives and build positive legacies that will outlive them”.

Also speaking, Alhaji Iskeel Lawal (Sugar), the Wakeelul-Muslimeen in Southwest including Edo and Delta States, described the deceased as a professional to the core.

Lawal urged theatre practitioners to always stand together and speak with one voice.

Leading the Ogun State Government delegation, Gov. Dapo Abiodun described Hassan as an icon who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry while remaining a devoted family man.

Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, said Hassan’s death was painful but he urged the family and his fans to take solace in his fulfilled life.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. We urge them to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and left an enduring legacy,” he said.

Speaking with newsmen, Mr Bolaji Amusan, National President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), described the deceased as a man of impeccable character and a man of the people.

Amusan, who spoke about his relationship with the deceased, said his contributions to the industry and society would be remembered.

He urged the family, friends and members of the association to preserve and build on Ogogo’s legacy.

“Ogogo is dead, but his legacy should be kept alive,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late actor died on Sunday after a protracted illness.(NAN)

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