Ogogo’s works gave visibility to Yoruba traditions, language, values – Lagos govt

By Ayox Ojo

The Lagos State Government has described late Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as a cultural ambassador whose work gave visibility to Yoruba traditions, language and values across generations.

Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture said this in a condolence message issued on Sunday by its Commissioner, Toke Benson-Awoyinka in reaction to the death of the veteran Yoruba actor.

The Ministry described the death of Ogogo as a significant loss to Nigeria’s creative industry and a painful blow to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture.

It also noted that the late Ogogo’s contribution to the arts extended beyond his performances, noting that he used his career to project Yoruba traditions and values to audiences in Nigeria and beyond.

The Lagos State Commissioner noted that the late actor’s body of work established him as one of the notable figures who helped sustain the connection between indigenous culture and contemporary entertainment.

“Taiwo Hassan Ogogo occupied a unique place in the Nigerian creative industry. He was not simply an accomplished actor; he was a cultural ambassador whose work gave visibility to Yoruba traditions, language and values across generations,” Benson-Awoyinka said.

The Commissioner also noted that late Ogogo’s his long-standing involvement in theatre and film had contributed significantly to the growth of Lagos’ entertainment landscape and the wider Nigerian creative economy.

She therefore noted that the late actor’s influence would endure through the many productions in which he featured and the generations of actors, storytellers and audiences who encountered his work.

The ministry also expressed sympathy to members of his family, colleagues in Nollywood, friends, admirers and the wider creative community, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss.

She prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to grant his family and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.

Meanwhile, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, in a condolence message posted on X, described the actor’s death as deeply saddening, noting that it came only days after the public became aware of his battle with cancer.

Atiku, in the condolence message, described the deceased as an accomplished actor.

“Through a remarkable career, he brought laughter into countless homes, told stories that reflected our society and used his talent not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire social rebirth,” he added.

The former Vice President extended his condolences to Hassan’s family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and around the world.

“I join his family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and across the world in mourning this profound loss,” Atiku said.

He prayed for the repose of the late actor’s soul and for strength for his loved ones.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen,” he added.