Tinubu, Alaafin, Adams mourn

The remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have been laid to rest in his country home, Ilaro in Yewa South Local Council of Ogun State, amid tears, tributes and fond memories.

People from all walks of life, including colleagues in the film industry, family members, friends, community leaders and well-wishers, thronged the Asade Agunloye Pavilion in Ilaro to pay their final respects to the late actor.

The burial marked the end of an era for a man whose career spanned decades and whose contributions to the Nigerian film industry earned him a place among the country’s celebrated screen veterans.

The funeral procession began at the Central Mosque in Ilaro, where the remains were received before being conveyed through the streets of the town to the Asade Agunloye Pavilion.

At the venue, Islamic clerics offered prayers for the deceased and described him as a devoted Muslim who lived a fulfilled life.

President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, described Hassan as a complete gentleman who positively impacted many lives.

Also, veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, described the deceased as a gentleman whose kindness and willingness to assist others stood him out.

MEANWHILE, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, expressed condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter.

Tinubu 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.

ALSO, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has mourned Hassan, describing him as a giant of the Nigerian entertainment industry and a custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage.

SIMILARLY, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has expressed profound grief over the death of the veteran Yoruba actor, describing him as a cultural ambassador who used his acting craft to promote and preserve Yoruba traditions.

In a statement yesterday, Adams said Ogogo was a brilliant and veteran actor whose contributions to the Yoruba film industry were remarkable and enduring.

In a condolence message yesterday, through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the actor’s death as a painful loss to the Yoruba people, Nigeria’s creative industry and the nation at large.

Oba Owoade said Ogogo’s contributions to theatre and film had helped preserve and promote Yoruba history, values and cultural identity across generations.

Adams, however, called on Yoruba sons and daughters to unite in prayers for the repose of Ogogo’s soul and for strength for his bereaved family.

He also urged entertainment practitioners to remain resilient and seek divine intervention against the recurrence of such losses.