Nigerian celebrities have continued to mourn veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death on Sunday.
Ogogo, 65, died after battling stage-four cancer, just two days after colleagues and well-wishers held special prayers for him.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from actors, musicians and other entertainers, who described him as a legend whose contributions to Yoruba cinema would not be forgotten.
Actress Bimbo Oshin described his death as the loss of “a giant”, saying his legacy would live on.
“The world lost a giant today. Sir T, your legacy will never die. A true legend has left us,” she wrote on Instagram.
President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Mr Latin, described Ogogo’s death as the “end of an era”.
He said, “Today, we mourn the passing of a great icon, a legend and a father to many. Ogogo lived a remarkable life, touched countless hearts and left an indelible mark on our industry and culture.”
Veteran actor Adebayo Salami also expressed shock, writing, “The action has ended, the actor is no more. This hits home, this hits super hard.”
Femi Adebayo, in his tribute, told the late actor that he would “forever be Ogogo” to the industry.
Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, Saidi Balogun, Adeniyi Johnson, Rotimi Salami, Ayo Adesanya and Biola Adebayo were among the other celebrities who paid tribute to the veteran actor.
Akindele wrote, “Rest in peace Sir T! Your impact in the industry will never be forgotten. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind.”
Ojo described Ogogo as a legend whose death had left the industry mourning.
“The industry lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. My deepest condolences to his entire family. You were a great man, my Boss. Your legacy will never die,” she wrote.
Adekola described Ogogo as “a great star till his last day”, while Ademola called him one of the biggest talents the Nigerian film industry had produced.
Saidi Balogun prayed for the deceased, saying, “You can rest now my brother Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. May Almighty Allah guide you through Aljannah. This is truly painful.”
Other entertainers who mourned Ogogo included Kunle Afod, Afeez Owo, Bose Alao, Nkechi Blessing, Jumoke Odetola, Jigan, Regina Chukwu, Lanre Alewilese, Foluke Daramola, Opeyemi Aiyeola, Wunmi Ajiboye, Toyin Adewale and Wasiu Ayinde.
The tributes cut across Nollywood, music, comedy and the wider entertainment industry, reflecting Ogogo’s influence over several generations of Nigerian entertainers.
His death has been widely described by his colleagues as the end of an era in Yoruba cinema, with many praising his talent, longevity and contribution to the growth of the industry.