Nollywood Mourns as Ogogo’s Remains Arrive Ilaro
The remains of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have arrived in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, ahead of his burial. Family members, colleagues, friends and residents gathered in the community to receive the remains of the 66-year-old actor, whose death has sparked widespread mourning across the Yoruba film industry. Actress Ireti Osayemi was also among those who arrived in Ilaro to pay her final respects to the late actor. Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after battling stage-four cancer. His condition had become public days earlier when his daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for urgent medical assistance for their father. The family had sought further medical intervention and specialists to review his condition after they were reportedly informed that chemotherapy was no longer an option because of the severity of his illness. News of his death was confirmed by several individuals in the Nigerian entertainment industry, including Best of Nollywood founder Seun Oloketuyi. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko later announced arrangements for the burial. According to the announced programme, Hassan’s remains were taken to Ilaro for a laying-in-state ceremony at the Pavilion before the burial. The actor’s death has been particularly significant to the Yoruba movie industry, where he was regarded as one of its most recognisable figures. Born in Ilaro, Hassan built a career spanning several decades, appearing in numerous Yoruba-language films and television productions. Beyond his acting career, he was also celebrated for contributing to the promotion of Yoruba culture and Nigerian entertainment. The Ogun State Government described him as a shining light whose talent and dedication helped project the state’s cultural heritage to audiences within and outside Nigeria. As his remains return to his hometown for the final rites, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, fans and admirers who remember his long contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
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