President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Taiwo Hassan, the veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter, following his demise.

The president described Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as a distinguished artiste whose career spanned several decades and made remarkable contributions that helped shape the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

He noted that through his distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and dedication to his craft, Ogogo entertained generations of Nigerians while promoting the richness of Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

The president said Monday in a statement issued by his Spokesman Bayo Onanuga that Ogogo’s body of work would remain an important part of Nigeria’s cultural history, adding that his mentorship and influence on younger artistes further underscored his enduring legacy in the creative industry.

“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad.

“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the president said.

He urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians to honour Ogogo’s memory by preserving and building on the cultural values and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.

The president prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor's soul.

Before finding fame, Ogogo worked as a mechanic at the Lagos State Water Corporation for about 13 years. He began acting in 1981, combining the profession with his mechanic job before leaving it in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.