The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has formally mourned the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, describing him as a cultural custodian whose contributions to Nigeria's creative sector spanned generations.
The ministry released a condolence statement on Sunday, August 23, signed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on behalf of the ministry's management and staff.
Commissioner Praises Ogogo's Cultural Legacy
In the statement, Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka described the late actor as far more than a performer, saying his career served a deeper cultural purpose.
"Taiwo Hassan was more than an actor. He was a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage. Through his remarkable career, he entertained generations while showcasing and preserving the Yoruba rich cultural values on stage and screen," Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka said.
The commissioner added that Ogogo spent many years championing Yoruba theatre and culture, work that left a lasting mark on Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
"He dedicated many years to the promotion of Yoruba culture, theatre, and the entertainment industry. His contributions to the creative sector helped shape the cultural landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come," she said.
Ministry Extends Condolences to Nollywood
The ministry stated that Ogogo's passing represents a significant loss not only to his immediate family but to the broader creative and cultural world he helped build.
The statement expressed condolences to Ogogo's family, friends, and colleagues across Nollywood and the creative arts industry.
"We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss," Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka said.
Senator Yayi Also Mourns the Late Actor
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, expressed sadness over the death of Ogogo.
In a condolence message to the family of the late actor, signed by the senator's media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, Adeola described Hassan's death as "a monumental loss to the creative and entertainment industry."
The Lagos State government's full statement on Ogogo's death was released via X (formerly Twitter), and the ministry's tribute underscores the actor's enduring impact on Yoruba culture and the broader Nigerian creative landscape.
