Amb. Sarafa Isola, the immediate-past High Commissioner of Nigeria to the UK, has described the late Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as ‘Ogogo’ as a custodian of Yoruba culture and a gifted entertainer.
Isola, in a statement on Monday, described Ogogo’s demise as “a colossal and irreplaceable loss to Nollywood, Yoruba culture and the Nigerian creative community.”
NAN reports that the actor passed away on Sunday at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.
Isola said he received the news “with profound sadness and a deeply broken heart.”
He said that Ogogo was far more than an actor.
“He was a remarkable storyteller, a gifted entertainer whose talent, distinctive presence and memorable performances touched generations.
“Through his decades-long career, he contributed immensely to the growth and visibility of Yoruba cinema and Nigerian entertainment,” he said.
He extended condolences to the late actor’s family, children and loved ones, his colleagues in Nollywood, the Yoruba creative community, the people of Ilaro, and his admirers across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Quoting the Qur’an (3:185), Isola said: “Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.”
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, illuminate his grave, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace. Ameen,” Isola concluded.
Hassan’s death had drawn widespread tributes from across the entertainment industry and public figures, underscoring his lasting impact on Yoruba-language cinema over a career spanning more than four decades.
The late actor is expected to be buried in his hometown of Ilaro in Ogun.