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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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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.

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Prophet Itunu, the lover of late Nigerian actress, Temitope Osoba, better known as Tope Osoba, has been arrested.

Police reportedly arrested Itunu on Tuesday August 18, 2026 following the public outcry over the circumstances surrounding Tope’s death.

Tope Osoba died on August 4, 2026, two years after surviving breast cancer.

Many Nigerians took to social media to demand the arrest of her lover after the actress’ close associates and best friends accused him and his siblings of having a hand in her death.

Shortly after the news of her death, Tope Osoba’s friends and associates started calling out Prophet Itunu for allegedly manipulating the actress to move in with him without knowing her family or marrying her legally.

Itunu was also accused of bullying her, collecting one of her money and one of her cars, and stopping her from acting or speaking with colleagues and friends.

Following the chat and voice notes evidence shared by the deceased’s friends to backup the allegations, the family postponed her burial to allow the police to conduct proper investigation into her death.

Reacting to the development in an interview with the Celestial Reality Check, a Media Investigative Unit of the Celestial Church of Christ, Itunu denied the allegations and claimed that it was the actress that approached him for marriage after she visited his church for prayers.

While accusing her of being a drug addict, the prophet said, “Tope was a drug addict and I didn’t know about it on time. And I don’t have money to take her to rehab after I noticed.”

However, updating the public about the case in an Instagram video on Sunday, the actress’ close friend and online personality, Akeem, announced that Itunu has been arrested alongside one unidentified hairdresser.

Akeem who is better known as ‘Oko Awon Single Mother’, said in a now trending video, “Good morning everybody, good Nigerians. So to those asking me for an update about Tope Osoba’s case, I have good news for you.

“Itunu was arrested on Tuesday. The hairdresser was also arrested. They are now in detention. The order guy that was accused of raping her is on the run. The guy’s name is Pelumi.

“So hopefully, justice will be served for her. Thank you Nigerians, thanks to the police for not ignoring our cry for justice. A big thank you to the family and a big thank you to myself. Autopsy will be carried out by the police.”

Prophet Itunu is the Shepherd-in-charge of CCC Onibuore Cathedral, Bogije, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.