Tears and grief enveloped Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
Hassan’s remains were buried at about 10:50am following funeral prayers at the Ilaro Central Mosque, attended by family members, friends, colleagues, traditional chiefs and other mourners.
The 66-year-old actor’s remains arrived in his hometown early Monday morning, with prominent Yoruba movie stars, including Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko, joining mourners to pay their final respects.
By about 9am, members of the actor’s family and close friends had gathered ahead of the funeral rites, while actress Ireti Osayemi Bakare was among colleagues who attended the prayers.
The atmosphere turned emotional as mourners struggled to come to terms with the death of one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language cinema, whose career spanned several decades.
Following the prayers, the remains were taken to the burial ground, accompanied by family members, friends, colleagues and notable chiefs from Ilaro, before Ogogo was finally laid to rest.
The burial followed reports that the veteran actor died after battling stage four cancer, with news of his deteriorating health emerging only days before his death.
His family had earlier appealed for urgent medical intervention, saying they were seeking access to appropriate medical care rather than financial donations.
In an emotional video circulated online, one of Ogogo’s daughters disclosed that the family only became aware of the severity of his condition about three weeks earlier and was desperately searching for suitable medical assistance.
The appeal attracted widespread support, with the actor’s management team later revealing that more than 500 people offered to assist with his treatment.
Kosoko, speaking on behalf of the team, said the overwhelming response created logistical challenges, particularly because Ogogo was already receiving treatment in a hospital and moving him safely to another facility posed difficulties.
With his final journey now completed, the Yoruba film industry has lost one of its enduring stars, whose contributions to Nigerian cinema earned him a lasting place in the hearts of fans across generations.
