Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde pays condolence visit to late Ogogo family in Ilaro, Ogun…Photo Credit: Oladokun Saheed
Ayinde said the condolence visit was aimed at standing with the Hassan family during their period of grief.
The Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde, has led a delegation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Lagos State, on a condolence visit to Ilaro to the family of late veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Ayinde, who is also the Lagos State Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, described the late actor as a cultural icon whose decades-long career helped promote Yoruba identity, language and values through film and theatre.
The veteran actor died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. He was buried the following day in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff during a Saturday condolence visit stated that Ogogo’s contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry went beyond acting, noting that his career played an important role in preserving and promoting Yoruba culture.
“Ogogo was more than an accomplished actor; he was a cultural icon whose career helped project Yoruba identity, language and values to a wider audience,” Ayinde said.
He added that the late actor’s performances and dedication to the industry had earned him a place among personalities who contributed significantly to the development of indigenous-language cinema in Nigeria.
“Through his performances and years of dedication to the Nigerian film industry, Ogogo earned a place among the notable figures who helped shape the growth of indigenous-language cinema in Nigeria,” he said.
Ayinde said the death of a loved one was difficult for any family to bear, adding that the condolence visit was aimed at standing with the Hassan family during their period of grief.
“We acknowledge the pain that comes with the loss of a loved one and the difficulty of coming to terms with such a loss. At a time like this, our thoughts and prayers are with the Hassan family,” he said.
He commiserated with Ogogo’s widow, children and other members of the family, praying that God would grant them the strength to cope with the loss.
“Our prayer is that God grants the deceased eternal rest and gives his widow, children and the entire Hassan family the strength and comfort to bear this great loss,” Ayinde said.
The Chief of Staff said Ogogo’s legacy would continue to resonate within Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural sectors, particularly through the impact of his work on Yoruba-language productions.
“His contributions to the entertainment industry will remain part of our cultural history. His work touched many lives and helped preserve aspects of our cultural heritage for generations,” he said.
Ayinde also urged the family to take solace in the impact the late actor made during his lifetime, noting that his works would continue to keep his memory alive.
“While we mourn his passing, we should also remember the remarkable legacy he left behind. His body of work will continue to speak for him and inspire those coming after him,” he said.
The delegation included the Chief of Staff of RHA Lagos, Dr Shopeyin; Director of Protocol, Hon. Jibike Babatunde; Director of Security, Hon. Olalekan Abubakar; Hon. Bayo Ajisebutu and other members of the organisation.
Ogogo’s death has attracted tributes from colleagues, fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry, with many celebrating his decades-long contribution to Nollywood and Yoruba culture.
The actor was buried on Monday, August 24, in Ilaro, where funeral prayers and other Islamic rites were observed.
