The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has directed all its state governors and executives to incorporate a special prayer session into their next state meetings, following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Bolaji Amusan, widely known as Mr Latin, who serves as the Global President of TAMPAN, issued the directive through a formal memorandum posted on his official Instagram page on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The move comes just days after Ogogo passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a prolonged battle with stage 4 cancer.
Memorandum Details and Prayer Focus
In the memorandum, Mr Latin instructed that the prayer session should center on seeking God's face, the forgiveness of sins, and divine protection for living members, as well as peaceful rest for those who have departed. The directive applies to all state chapters of TAMPAN across Nigeria.
The memorandum read: "Following the recent passing of our beloved colleague, Ogogo, all State Chapters are hereby directed to include a special prayer session in their next State Meeting. The prayer should focus on seeking God's face, forgiveness of our sins, His protection over the living, and preservation of our members from death, sickness and destruction. We should also pray for the forgiveness and peaceful repose of our departed colleagues."
Mr Latin signed off the memo as "Amusan Bolaji Latin, JP, Global President, TAMPAN." The directive underscores the association's response to the growing number of losses within the Yoruba Nollywood community in 2026.
Ogogo's Burial and Industry Mourning
Ogogo was laid to rest on Monday, August 24, 2026, with an outpouring of grief from across the Nigerian entertainment industry. His funeral was attended by notable figures including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Ireti Osaiyemi, Femi Adebayo, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Faithia Williams, Saidi Balogun, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Abbey Lane, Bisi Ibidapo, Segun Ogungbe, Jigan Babaoja, Mama No Network, and Fali Werepe, among many others.
The actor's death has been deeply felt by colleagues and fans alike, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the veteran performer.
A Painful Year for Yoruba Nollywood
Ogogo's death adds to a long and heartbreaking list of losses the industry has endured in 2026. Just a week before Taiwo Hassan Ogogo died, veteran actor Elegbeje Ado had also died following a brief illness.
In June, the industry mourned Kola Oyewo, who died at the age of 80. That same month, Adeshina Okiki lost his life in a fatal road accident and was buried in his hometown of Okeho, Oyo State, in accordance with Muslim rites.
Earlier in February, Yoruba Nollywood lost Aunty Ajara after a prolonged illness. Her death followed closely on the heels of Allwell Ademola's passing, who had suffered a fatal heart attack at her residence and died in December 2025. Notable figures including Mr Latin, Faithia Williams, Damola Olatunji, and Bidemi Kosoko were among the first to publicly mourn her loss.
Pasuma's Emotional Tribute
Fuji musician Pasuma also mourned Ogogo in an emotional tribute, describing him as his dear elder brother and saying the loss left him shattered. He prayed for Allah to grant the late actor Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort his family, adding that Yoruba cinema would never be the same without him.
The string of deaths has prompted TAMPAN's leadership to take proactive measures, including the new prayer directive, as the association seeks to support its members through a difficult period. The special prayer sessions are expected to be held at the next state meetings across all chapters, providing an opportunity for members to come together in remembrance and solidarity.
