Thirty-six years after helping lead the oríkì chants at the burial of Yoruba theatre legend Hubert Ogunde, veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, bringing to a close a career spanning more than four decades and establishing him as one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
His burial arrangements, announced by veteran actor Jide Kosoko, include a lying-in-state at 11:00 a.m. at the Pavilion, Ilaro, while Islamic burial prayers are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground.
The circumstances surrounding Ogogo’s final journey have attracted particular attention because of his connection with the burial of Hubert Ogunde in May 1990.
At Ogunde’s burial, Ogogo was among the prominent chanters who rendered oríkì and dirges in honour of the theatre icon. The procession was led by Dr. Ishola Ogunsola, popularly known as I-Show Pepper, who died in December 1992.
More than three decades later, Ogogo, who once used his voice to honour one of the pioneers of Yoruba theatre, is himself being mourned as a major figure in the industry.
Ogogo featured in more than 300 film productions as an actor, producer and director. Over the course of his career, his distinctive performances and commanding screen presence earned him a lasting place in Yoruba popular culture.
In the weeks before his death, his daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, revealed that the actor was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for support towards his medical treatment.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans and prominent Nigerians. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Ogogo as an entertainer whose talent extended beyond comedy and performance, noting his contribution to educating and inspiring society.
As Ogogo is laid to rest in Ilaro, the symbolism of his final journey remains striking: the voice that once rose in oríkì for Hubert Ogunde in 1990 has, 36 years later, fallen silent.
But his legacy lives on in Yoruba theatre, film and the generations of actors and audiences he inspired.
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