Tears, Tributes as Nollywood Veteran Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Is Laid to Rest in Ilaro

Tears and grief filled Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, August 24, 2026, as the remains of Veteran Nollywood Actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, were laid to rest in his hometown following his death at the age of 66.

The celebrated Yoruba Actor was buried in accordance with Islamic rites after funeral prayers attended by members of his family, friends, colleagues, traditional chiefs, community members and other mourners who gathered to bid farewell to one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language cinema.

According to reports monitored by Global Mirror News, Ogogo’s remains arrived in Ilaro early Monday morning, drawing a large crowd of sympathisers who gathered to receive the late Actor and pay their final respects.

The atmosphere became particularly emotional as members of the entertainment industry converged on the town. Veteran Actors including Yinka Quadri and Jide Kosoko were among those who arrived in Ilaro to mourn their longtime colleague. Other Nollywood personalities, including Ireti Osayemi, Femi Adebayo, Mister Latin, Dele Odule, Olaiya Igwe, Fathia Balogun and Kolawole Ajeyemi, were also reported to have attended the burial.

One of the most touching moments came when Yinka Quadri, who shared a longstanding relationship with Ogogo and had been involved in efforts to support him during his illness, was seen in tears at the burial. His emotional reaction captured the depth of the loss felt within the Yoruba movie industry.

Ogogo’s burial came barely 24 hours after news of his death shocked Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The Actor reportedly died at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after battling a serious illness. Veteran Actor Jide Kosoko was among those who confirmed his death and subsequently announced arrangements for his burial in Ilaro.

Final chapter after cancer battle

Before his death, Ogogo’s health condition had generated widespread concern after his family disclosed that he was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance.

His daughter, Kira Taiwo, had publicly raised concerns over her father’s deteriorating condition, while the family sought appropriate medical intervention. The appeal triggered an outpouring of support from Nigerians, members of the entertainment industry and other prominent individuals.

Yinka Quadri and other colleagues were among those who rallied around the family during the difficult period. Reports indicated that hundreds of people offered assistance, although concerns were raised about the difficulty of moving the already weakened actor from the hospital where he was receiving treatment.

Despite the efforts to secure further medical intervention, Ogogo eventually succumbed to the illness, leaving behind grieving family members, colleagues and admirers.

A painful goodbye

The burial ceremony became a gathering of both grief and celebration of a remarkable career. For decades, Ogogo was a major presence in Yoruba-language Nollywood, appearing in numerous productions and earning a reputation for his distinctive acting style and commanding screen presence.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry extended beyond acting, as he was also associated with filmmaking and the promotion of Yoruba culture and language through his work.

As mourners gathered around his final resting place in Ilaro, tributes poured in for an Actor whose career spanned several decades and whose performances endeared him to generations of viewers.

For many of his colleagues, Ogogo’s death represents not only the loss of a friend and professional associate but also the departure of one of the veterans who helped shape the Yoruba arm of Nigeria’s thriving film industry.

The tears witnessed in Ilaro on Monday therefore reflected more than the sadness of losing a beloved actor. They marked the end of an era for many who grew up watching Taiwo Hassan bring powerful characters, traditional values and compelling Nigerian stories to life on screen.

Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ may have taken his final bow, but his performances and contribution to Nollywood are expected to remain part of the industry’s enduring history.

Global Mirror News condoles with the family, friends, colleagues and admirers of the late actor and prays for strength for those he left behind.