Tinubu Mourns Ogogo, Says Veteran Actor Used Talent to Tell Nigerian Stories

President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing his death as a significant loss to the Yoruba film industry and Nigeria’s creative sector.

Tinubu expressed his condolences in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President commiserated with Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and millions of admirers who followed the actor’s career over several decades.

Tinubu described the late actor as a distinguished artiste whose contributions played an important role in the development of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

According to the President, Ogogo’s distinctive acting style, commanding screen presence and commitment to his profession allowed him to entertain generations while promoting Yoruba culture and Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was a gifted artiste who used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve our cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that Ogogo’s influence extended beyond entertainment, particularly through his contribution to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba traditions and storytelling.

He described the actor’s passing as a major loss to his family, colleagues and the wider Nigerian creative community.

“His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community,” Tinubu added.

The President, on behalf of the Federal Government, extended his sympathy to Ogogo’s loved ones and the many Nigerians mourning the veteran actor.

He also prayed for strength for the family and friends of the deceased as they come to terms with his passing.

“I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Tinubu said.

Ogogo’s death has continued to generate tributes across Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with colleagues and admirers remembering his longstanding contribution to Yoruba-language cinema.

His career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as a prominent actor, filmmaker and storyteller and became one of the recognised figures in Nigeria’s indigenous film industry.