Taiwo Hassan laid to rest

The remains of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites in Ilaro, Ogun State.

The 66-year-old actor was buried at about 10:50 a.m. after funeral prayers attended by family members, friends, colleagues, traditional chiefs and other mourners who gathered to pay their final respects.

Ogogo’s remains arrived in his hometown early Monday morning ahead of the funeral rites, drawing several prominent figures from the Yoruba movie industry to Ilaro.

Veteran actors Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko were among those who arrived to mourn their longtime colleague, while actress Ireti Osayemi Bakare was also present at the Ilaro Central Mosque for the funeral prayers.

By about 9 a.m., members of Ogogo’s family and close friends had gathered in preparation for the funeral.

The atmosphere became emotional as mourners struggled to come to terms with the death of the celebrated actor, who spent several decades contributing to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema.

Following the funeral prayers, Ogogo’s remains were taken to the burial ground, with family members, colleagues, friends and traditional chiefs accompanying the body.

He was subsequently laid to rest in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Ogogo’s burial came a day after news of his death emerged on Sunday. The veteran actor had reportedly been battling stage-four cancer, with his health said to have deteriorated in recent weeks.

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His death came only days after his family and management disclosed his health condition and appealed for urgent medical intervention.

In an emotional video that circulated online, one of Ogogo’s daughters was seen crying as she appealed for assistance to secure appropriate medical treatment for her father.

She said the family only became aware of the severity of his condition about three weeks earlier and had been searching for a hospital or medical professional capable of providing the required care.

The appeal reportedly attracted offers of assistance from more than 500 people.

Jide Kosoko, who spoke on behalf of the management team, later explained that the large number of offers created logistical challenges, particularly because Ogogo was already receiving treatment in a hospital.

He said the major challenge was determining where the actor could be taken and how he could safely be moved while undergoing treatment.

Ogogo’s death has left colleagues, fans and members of the Yoruba film industry mourning the loss of one of the prominent figures who helped shape Nigeria’s indigenous-language movie industry.