The Lagos State Government on Sunday, 23 August mourned the passage of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly addressed as Ogogo, describing him as a cultural icon and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage, reports thegazellenews.com.
Ogogo died on the evening of Sunday, 23 August, 2026, after battling stage-four cancer.
The actor, a prominent figure in Yoruba-language Nollywood, passed days after his daughters appealed publicly for medical assistance as he battled stage-four cancer.
The state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture expressed condolences to the actor’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nollywood and creative arts community.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, through a statement issued on Sunday, 23 August, 2026, said Hassan’s contributions to the entertainment industry went beyond acting.
“Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage,” she said.
Benson-Awoyinka said the late actor entertained generations while helping to showcase and preserve Yoruba cultural values through his work on stage and screen.
“He dedicated many years to the promotion of Yoruba culture, theatre, and the entertainment industry. His contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” she added.
The Commissioner said the ministry shared in the grief of Hassan’s family and the creative community, describing his death as a major loss to the cultural and entertainment sectors.
