The Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde, has led members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Lagos State, on a condolence visit to the family of late veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in Ilaro, Ogun State.
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 condolence visit was disclosed in a statement made available on Monday.
During the visit, Ayinde met with Ogogo’s widow and other members of the Hassan family and commiserated with them over the actor’s death.
Ogogo 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, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Ayinde said Ogogo’s contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry extended beyond acting, noting that his career played a significant 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 commitment to the industry earned him a place among personalities who contributed significantly to the growth 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.
The Lagos State Chief of Staff acknowledged the pain associated with losing a loved one and said the visit was intended to support the Hassan family during their period of mourning.
“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.
Ayinde commiserated with Ogogo’s widow, children and other relatives, praying that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give the family 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,” he said.
He said Ogogo’s legacy would continue to resonate in Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural sectors, particularly through his contributions to 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,” Ayinde said.
The Lagos State official urged the family to take solace in the impact the actor made during his lifetime, noting that his body of work 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 added.
Members of the delegation included the Chief of Staff of RHA Lagos, Dr Shopeyin; Director of Protocol, Jibike Babatunde; Director of Security, Olalekan Abubakar; Bayo Ajisebutu and other members of the organisation.
Ogogo’s death has continued to attract tributes from colleagues, fans and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry, with many celebrating his decades-long contribution to Nollywood and Yoruba culture.
Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde pays condolence visit to late Ogogo family in Ilaro, Ogun…Photo Credit: Oladokun Saheed
Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde pays condolence visit to late Ogogo family in Ilaro, Ogun…Photo Credit: Oladokun Saheed