Ogogo: Nollywood Mourns as Muyiwa Ademola Says Death Marks End of an Era

The Nigerian film industry is mourning the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, with actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola describing his passing as “the end of an era.”

Ademola paid tribute to the late actor in a social media post following news of his death, describing Ogogo as one of the biggest talents ever produced by Nigeria’s film industry.

“Rest Well Sir T. OGOGO omo kulodo! One of The Biggest the Nigerian Film Industry ever produced! It is indeed the end of an era,” Ademola wrote.

He prayed for strength and comfort for Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones affected by the loss.

“May The Almighty comfort all you left behind,” he added.

Reflecting on the inevitability of death, Ademola concluded his tribute with the words: “No one leaves here alive!”

Ogogo was one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema. His career spanned more than four decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and built a reputation for memorable performances and a distinctive screen presence.

His work helped sustain the popularity of Yoruba films and contributed to the development of Nigeria’s wider home-video and theatre culture. Through his performances, he became familiar to generations of viewers and earned respect from fellow actors, filmmakers and audiences.

Ogogo’s death has generated grief across Nollywood, particularly among practitioners in the Yoruba film sector, where he was regarded as a veteran and an influential presence.

His family had earlier disclosed that the actor had been battling stage-four cancer. His daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, appealed to medical professionals and well-wishers for assistance during his illness.

The disclosure prompted messages of support from colleagues and members of the public, many of whom expressed concern about the actor’s health and called for assistance for his treatment.

News of his death has now led to an outpouring of tributes from actors, filmmakers and fans who recalled his contribution to the industry and his long-standing commitment to Yoruba cinema.

For many colleagues, Ogogo represented an important link between the early generation of Yoruba theatre practitioners and the contemporary Nollywood industry. His career reflected the transition from stage drama and travelling theatre to film and digital entertainment.

Beyond his acting, he was recognised for his discipline, experience and ability to bring authority to the characters he portrayed. His roles in Yoruba films often made him a commanding figure on screen, qualities that helped establish his enduring appeal.

Ademola’s description of the death as the end of an era reflects the broader feeling within the industry that Nollywood has lost one of its most experienced and respected performers.

As tributes continue to emerge, colleagues and admirers are remembering Ogogo not only for the roles he played but also for the influence he had on the growth and visibility of Yoruba-language film.