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The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has paid tribute to veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death at the age of 66.

In a condolence message 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 the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) commiserated with the family of the deceased, the entire Nollywood industry, Yoruba actors and actresses, friends, associates and the millions of fans of the late thespian over the painful loss.

The Ooni described Ogogo as a legend of Yoruba cinema and an advocate of Yoruba culture, noting that his contributions went beyond entertainment to the preservation, promotion and projection of Yoruba language, traditions and values.

According to the Ooni, Ogogo belonged to a generation of artistes who used their talents to tell authentic Yoruba stories and bring the richness of the culture to audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

He said the late actor’s decades-long career and distinctive performances had earned him a lasting place in the history of Yoruba film and 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 the passing of the veteran actor had created a significant vacuum in the creative industry, particularly within the Yoruba-language film sector, where Ogogo remained an influential figure for generations.

The Ooni urged members of the entertainment community and admirers of the late actor to take solace in the legacy he left behind and the impact of his works on Yoruba culture and Nigerian cinema.

He also commiserated with Ogogo’s wives, children and extended family, praying that Almighty Olodumare grant the deceased eternal rest and give the bereaved family, colleagues, friends and fans the fortitude to bear the loss.

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Funke Akindele, a screen icon is being heavily slammeded by neizens in the country for posting a birthday message on social media while stakeholders in the entertainment industry and Yoruba movie fans are mourning Alhaji Taiwo Hassan’s passing.

Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, a veteran actor, who is popularly called Ogogo, died on Sunday at the age of 66 and he was laid to rest today in Ilaro, Ogun State.

The popular actress, who was born on August 24, 1977, turns 49 today, August 24, 2026.

She posted a birthday message thanking God for His mercies and blessings. Funke also made her pictures available and gave needed information about the roles played by some individuals in making her look stunning.

‘Today is my birthday.

🎉
My heart is full of gratitude to God for all He has done, all He is doing, and all that is still to come.

Through every season, every lesson, every win, every mistake and every challenge, God has remained my strength and my shield. Even in moments when I have fallen short, He has given me the grace to rise, learn, keep going and become better.

Today, my prayer is simple. That God blesses me with good health, long life, peace and the grace to keep walking in purpose.

I pray that my life continues to mean something beyond me. That I can touch more lives, open more doors, nurture more talents, raise more stars and give others the opportunity to become everything God has called them to be.

May I never stop giving back. May I never stop growing. May my life remain a testimony, and may the way I live inspire others to believe, to dream and to keep going.

Thank You, Lord.

Happy birthday to me.

STYLED BY ZACKSTYLING LUXURY

MAKE UP by Blessing Omagbemi

PHOTOGRAPHED By Aham Ibeleme’ the popular actress submitted in a Facebook post.

[email protected] learned that as at Monday afternoon, the Facebook post had earned over 10,000 likes while 428 people had forwarded it.

‘Happy birthday to you ma. Continued doing what you know best. My love to you’ Okwuchi Ananaba Nwachukwu wrote.

‘Happy birthday super women, may God bless your new age’ Oladunni Yunus also submitted.

Some social media users however criticized her for posting birthday message while Ogogo’s funeral was being held in Ilaro.

They accused her of being insensitive.

‘Funke Akindele!!! Today of all days! Are you aware that Taiwo Hassan, your senior colleague in the film industry, is dead and will be buried today? Don’t you read the room? Everyone will die o. It is Ogogo today, no one knows who is next tomorrow. What you guys in the Nollywood are doing is not humane. You show no sense of humanity. Well, Ogogo did not die a sudden death even though how it happened is sad. He would have been 67 years old in October. Everyone will reap all they sow’ a social media user, Adewale (@SoEdunOkanESita), submitted on X.com

Another X.com user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi (@ola_kish) also faulted the timing of the birthday message.

‘Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo’ he wrote.

‘Mrs Funke Akindele, I understand that life goes on and everyone has the right to celebrate their birthday, but posting a birthday celebration so soon after the passing of Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) feels insensitive. Sometimes, it’s not about whether you’re right or wrong to celebrate. It’s about knowing when to tone things down out of respect for someone who has just passed away’ omoiyanofi (@papiexploring) submitted.

In Islam, the general period of mourning for family and relatives is three days while there is no universally mandated number of days for mourning in Christianity.

However, special prayers and memorial services are heavily emphasized on the 3rd, 9th, and 40th days, with the 40th day traditionally believed to be when the soul undergoes its final transitionTeam

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Veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Alhaji Taiwo Babatunde Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, will be buried in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, on today.

The Ilaro Muslim Community announced that the funeral prayer for the 66-year-old actor will be held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, Ilaro, at 10 a.m.

Ogogo, an Ilaro-born actor, filmmaker and traditional chant performer, reportedly died after battling stage-four cancer.

His daughter, Kira Hassan, confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram Live session on Sunday.

“My daddy is dead. I can’t believe it,” she said while struggling to come to terms with the loss.

The actor’s death has sparked widespread mourning across Ogun State, particularly in Ilaro, as colleagues, fans and well-wishers pay tribute to one of the prominent figures in Yoruba entertainment.

Ogun Government Mourns

The Ogun State Government expressed grief over Ogogo’s death, describing it as a monumental loss to the state, Nigeria’s creative industry and the country.

In a condolence message signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government described Ogogo as “a shining light” whose talent, discipline and commitment helped promote Nigerian culture and showcase Yoruba heritage to audiences at home and abroad.

Akinmade said Ogogo distinguished himself throughout his career through exceptional artistry, humility, candour, dignity and respect for others.

He described the late actor as a proud ambassador of Ilaro and Ogun State, noting that his contributions to theatre, film and television helped preserve and promote the Yoruba language, traditions and values.

“Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo, was a shining light. His voice may have fallen silent, but his works, values and contributions to our cultural heritage will continue to speak for generations,” Akinmade said.

The government extended its condolences to Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues in the creative industry, the people of Ilaro and his numerous admirers across Nigeria and beyond.

Adeola Mourns

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Solomon Adeola, also mourned the veteran actor.

Adeola described Ogogo’s death as a major loss to the entertainment industry, Ogun State and Nigeria.

In a condolence message to the family, the senator said Ogogo was a brother who believed in and worked diligently for his political cause and the advancement of the people.

“I am greatly saddened by the death of a brother who believed in and worked assiduously for my cause and the cause of our people,” Adeola said.

He sympathised with Ogogo’s immediate family over their efforts and struggles to keep him alive during his illness.

“I sympathise with his immediate family for their efforts and struggles to keep the dearly departed alive following his illness. God knows best in all circumstances,” he added.

Adeola said Ogogo’s contributions to the pursuit of a better society through filmmaking and positive advocacy would remain memorable.

He also pledged continued support for the deceased’s immediate family during the mourning period and prayed for the peaceful repose of Ogogo’s soul.

Daughter Reveals Family’s Struggles

Before his death, Ogogo’s family had raised concerns over the financial and emotional burden of securing medical treatment for the actor.

During a TikTok Live session on Saturday, Kira alleged that some individuals were attempting to exploit the family’s difficult circumstances by claiming to offer financial assistance for her father’s treatment.

She alleged that some people approached the family for money, with demands ranging from N800,000 to millions of naira and thousands of dollars.

“My father is a good father. Some people are even trying to make money with us in this whole situation. Fear God,” she said.

Kira also spoke about the emotional toll of her father’s prolonged illness on the family, saying the situation had become increasingly difficult to cope with.

She disclosed that Ogogo’s illness had deeply affected his brother, whom she affectionately referred to as her “big daddy”, while members of the family regularly communicated through a group chat for updates on his condition.

Kira further said she had withdrawn from social media because photographs and videos of her father battling cancer had become emotionally overwhelming.

She described Ogogo as a loving father who always wanted the best for those around him.

Ogogo’s Battle With Illness

Ogogo had experienced serious health challenges in recent years. In 2025, he publicly disclosed that he had been battling chronic ulcer for several years.

More recently, members of his family revealed that he was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance.

His deteriorating condition prompted colleagues, fans and well-wishers to organise prayers and seek specialist medical care for him.

Ogogo was widely respected for his distinctive performances in Yoruba-language films and his efforts to promote and preserve Yoruba culture.

His death has triggered an outpouring of grief among colleagues, fans and residents of Ilaro, who are mourning the loss of one of the community’s prominent sons and a respected figure in Nigeria’s Yoruba entertainment industry.

The funeral prayer is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, Ilaro, Ogun State.