*Photo : The late Alhaji Taiwo Hassan*
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR, Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2021–2023), has described the death of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and cultural icon Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as a colossal and irreplaceable loss to Nollywood, Yoruba culture and the Nigerian creative community.
Hassan passed away on Sunday, 23 August 2026, at the age of 66 after a battle with stage-four cancer. His remains were taken to his hometown of Ilaro in Ogun State for burial rites on Monday, 24 August 2026.
In a heartfelt statement, Isola said he received the news “with profound sadness and a deeply broken heart.” He noted that Ogogo was far more than an actor: “He was a remarkable storyteller, a custodian of Yoruba culture and 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.”
Isola 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) — “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 Hassan’s 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 has 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.
Read the full statement below:
Ogogo’s Final Exit: A Colossal Loss to Nollywood and Yoruba Culture
I received with profound sadness and a deeply broken heart the news of the passing of the legendary Nollywood actor, filmmaker and cultural icon, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who departed this world on Sunday, 23 August 2026. His death represents a painful and irreplaceable loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Ogun State, Nigeria and the entire creative community.
Ogogo was far more than an actor. He was a remarkable storyteller, a custodian of Yoruba culture and 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.
His passing reminds us once again of the transient nature of human existence and the certainty that every soul must ultimately return to its Creator. The Glorious Qur’an reminds us: “Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.”— Qur’an 3:185
As we mourn this monumental loss, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, his children and loved ones, his colleagues in Nollywood, the Yoruba creative community, the people of Ilaro, and his countless admirers across Nigeria and the Diaspora.
May Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, illuminate his grave, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this heartbreaking loss.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. Ameen.
Signed:
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2021–2023)