Breaking: Tinubu Breaks Silence as ‘Ogogo’, Veteran Nigerian Actor, Dies of Stage 4 Cancer
- President Bola Tinubu released an official statement on Monday, August 25, 2026, reacting to the death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo
- 24 hours after Ogogo's demise, Tinubu's spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the president recognised the late actor's decades-long contributions to Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema
- The president called on Nigerians and members of the creative industry to honour Ogogo's legacy by preserving the cultural values he championed
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FCT, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu has sent his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly called Ogogo, following his death.
Legit.ng reports that the late Ogogo is a staunch supporter of President Tinubu and had actively campaigned for his election and re-election.
Source: Twitter
Tinubu speaks on Ogogo's legacy
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga released a statement on Monday afternoon, August 24, 2026, in which Tinubu paid tribute to Hassan as a distinguished artist whose career left a lasting mark on Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema over several decades.
The president said Hassan's unique screen presence, acting style, and commitment to his craft entertained generations of Nigerians while spotlighting the depth of Yoruba culture and the country's broader cultural heritage.
Tinubu said Hassan's body of work would remain a significant part of Nigeria's cultural history, adding that his role as a mentor to younger artists further cemented his place in the creative industry.
The president said:
"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.
"His passing is a great loss to his family, the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and the entire Nigerian creative community. On behalf of the Federal Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and millions of admirers. I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss."
Tinubu urged Nigerians and members of the creative community to honour Ogogo's memory by building on the artistic traditions and cultural values he devoted his life to.
Ogogo's rise from mechanic to screen icon
Before becoming a household name in Nollywood, Hassan worked as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation for about 13 years. He took up acting in 1981, juggling both careers before walking away from his mechanic job in 1994 to focus entirely on the screen.
The president prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor's soul.
Read the presidency's statement on Ogogo's death in full below via X:
Read more on Ogogo:
- Tears flow as late actor Ogogo is finally laid to rest in his hometown
- Madam Saje makes special request from late Ogogo as she bids final farewell, sparks emotions
Yayi mourns Ogogo's death
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ogun state and Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, expressed sadness over the death of Ogogo.
In a condolence message to the family of the late actor, signed by the senator’s media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, Adeola described Hassan’s death as “a monumental loss to the creative and entertainment industry.”
Source: Legit.ng
