Ogogo: Tears for a true pillar of Yoruba cinema

Odule: “Who will Yinka and I banter with now?”

The death of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has continued to draw tributes from across the Nigerian entertainment industry. Colleagues, fans, friends and younger practitioners have continued to mourn the Yoruba acting legend and celebrate his legacy. From heartfelt tributes to emotional farewells, the industry has continued to reflect on his remarkable career, influence and the memories he left behind. ADERONKE ADESANYA brings together more tributes from colleagues and highlights their heartfelt reactions to his death.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mourned veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in an official condolence statement issued by the State House on August 24. Tinubu described the late actor as a “distinguished artiste” whose decades-long career contributed to the growth of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema. 

The President described Ogogo’s death as a “great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community.” He also praised the actor’s contribution to Nigerian storytelling, cultural heritage and the mentoring of younger artistes. 

Yinka Quadri

Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri, who shared a decades-long friendship with the late actor, paid tribute to his friend in an Instagram post. Quadri recalled their relationship and the final moments they shared in the hospital, where he said Ogogo tried to reassure him when he became emotional. 

Quadri described Ogogo in deeply personal terms, saying he had always regarded him as his “twin from heaven.” Recalling their final conversation, he said Ogogo told him:“Yinka, don’t cry. Nothing bad will happen to me.”

Quadri’s tribute was particularly heartfelt because he was visibly emotional at Ogogo’s burial in Ilaro on Monday.

Dele Odule

Veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule, a longtime friend and colleague of Ogogo, also took to Instagram to mourn the late actor. Odule reflected on the friendship they built over several decades, explaining that what began as a relationship between young men trying to find their way in life eventually became a brotherhood.

In his Instagram tribute, Odule wrote:“When we met as young men trying to navigate life, who between us would have thought we would form a bond that would last for decades and turn friends into brothers.”

In a touching reflection, he asked: “Who will Yinka and I banter with now?”

Odule’s grief was also evident at Ogogo’s burial, where he broke down while speaking about his late friend.

Femi Adebayo

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo paid tribute to Ogogo in an Instagram post, remembering him as one of the important figures whose work helped shape Yoruba cinema.

Adebayo thanked the late actor for his contribution to the craft, writing:“Thank you for the years, the stories, the lessons and the moments that made us fall in love with the craft.”

He described Ogogo as:“a true pillar of Yoruba cinema”and added that his impact would continue through generations.

Odunlade Adekola

Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola also mourned Ogogo in an Instagram post shortly after news of the veteran actor’s death. In the brief tribute, Adekola expressed his admiration for Ogogo’s stature in the industry, describing him as a great star and legend.

Adekola wrote:“He was a great star till his last day. Good night. Great legend.”

Saidi Balogun

Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun paid his respects to Ogogo in an Instagram tribute, describing the deceased actor in the language of family rather than merely that of a professional colleague. Reports of his tribute identify him as one of the many actors who took to social media following Ogogo’s death. Balogun wrote:“You can rest now my brother, Taiwo Hassan Ogogo.”

Toyosi Adesanya

Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya, who was among those closely following Ogogo’s health condition before his death, paid tribute to the veteran actor on Instagram. In a post shared after his death, Adesanya mourned Ogogo and reflected on his importance to those around him. Her Instagram activity also included updates about his condition shortly before his death.

Jide Kosoko

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko also used Instagram to communicate with fans and colleagues about Ogogo’s death and burial arrangements. Kosoko, one of the industry’s senior figures, had also been involved in giving updates about Ogogo’s condition before his death.

Following the burial, Kosoko used Instagram to thank Nigerians, colleagues and well-wishers for the massive turnout at Ogogo’s funeral, describing it as a reflection of the love and respect people had for the late actor. 

Isbae U

Skit maker and comedian Isbae U also mourned Ogogo in an Instagram post, recalling the role the veteran actor played in his life following the death of his father. He described Ogogo as more than a mentor, saying the actor became a father figure to him.

“He was my Father…. Goodbye my Legend” he wrote.

K1 De Ultimate

Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, also paid tribute to Ogogo during a live performance. He became emotional and broke down in tears while speaking about the late actor, showing that Ogogo’s loss was felt beyond the Nollywood community.

Malaika

Fuji musician Sule Alao Malaika also paid an emotional tribute to Ogogo during a performance. His reaction, like K1’s, demonstrates the late actor’s relationship with musicians and entertainers outside the film industry.

ALSO READ: Family announces dates for Ogogo’s remaining burial programmes

Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje)

Veteran Nollywood actress Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, also paid tribute to Ogogo during his burial in Ilaro on Monday. Speaking at the funeral, the actress became emotional as she reflected on the death of her longtime colleague and the pain of losing someone close to the industry.

In her emotional remarks, Madam Saje acknowledged the finality of Ogogo’s passing, saying:“God loved him more.”

Her tearful tribute added to the emotional atmosphere at the burial, as colleagues, friends and family gathered to bid the veteran actor a final farewell.