The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has paid tribute to veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death at the age of 66.
The Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, also commiserated with the family of the late actor, the Nollywood industry, Yoruba actors and actresses, friends, associates and millions of his admirers.
In a condolence message issued on Monday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni, who is also Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), described Ogogo’s death as a significant loss to Yoruba cinema and the Nigerian creative industry.
The monarch described Ogogo as a legend of Yoruba cinema and a strong advocate for Yoruba culture, noting that his contributions extended beyond entertainment to the preservation, promotion and projection of the Yoruba language, traditions, values and identity.
According to the Ooni, Ogogo belonged to a generation of artistes who deployed their talents to tell authentic Yoruba stories and showcase the richness of Yoruba culture to audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
He noted that the actor’s decades-long career, distinctive performances and commitment to Yoruba-language cinema had earned him an enduring place in the history of Nigerian entertainment.
“Ogogo was not merely an actor; he was an advocate of our culture. Through his craft, he promoted our language, traditions, values and identity. His contribution to Yoruba cinema will remain indelible,” the Ooni said.
The Ooni further noted that Ogogo’s passing had created a significant vacuum within the creative industry, particularly in the Yoruba-language film sector, where the veteran actor remained an influential figure across generations.
He urged members of the entertainment community, as well as admirers of the late actor, to draw strength from the legacy he left behind and the lasting impact of his works on Yoruba culture and Nigerian cinema.
The monarch also extended his condolences to Ogogo’s wives, children and extended family, praying that Almighty Olodumare grant the late actor eternal rest and give his family, colleagues, friends and fans the fortitude to bear the loss.