Ogogo’s Final Homecoming: Late Actor’s Remains Arrive Ilaro Amid Tears

Wellington Jopelo

The remains of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have arrived in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, ahead of his burial today, Monday, August 24, 2026.

Family members, colleagues, friends and residents gathered in Ilaro to receive the remains of the celebrated actor, whose death has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s Yoruba film industry.

Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, at the age of 66, after battling stage-four cancer. His death came shortly after his daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, publicly appealed for assistance as his health condition deteriorated.

The actor’s remains were brought to Ilaro ahead of the final Islamic rites, with mourners gathering to pay their last respects to a performer whose career in the Nigerian entertainment industry spanned more than four decades.

Veteran actors Jide Kosoko and Yinka Quadri were among the colleagues who arrived in Ilaro as the community prepared to bid farewell to one of its most prominent sons. Actress Ireti Osayemi was also reported to have arrived in the town for the burial.

The burial arrangements were announced by Jide Kosoko following Ogogo’s death. The late actor’s lying-in-state ceremony was scheduled for 11am at the Pavillon in Ilaro, while the Ilaro Muslim Community also announced burial prayers at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground.

The atmosphere in Ilaro has been marked by grief as residents and members of the entertainment industry remember Ogogo’s contribution to Yoruba cinema and Nigerian culture.

Born and raised in Ilaro, Ogogo became one of the recognisable faces of Yoruba-language films, building a career as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter. His work over the years earned him a strong following among audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

His death has continued to attract tributes from prominent Nigerians, actors and entertainers, with many describing him as a major figure in the development and growth of Yoruba cinema. The Ogun State Government also described him as a shining light whose talent and commitment helped project Yoruba culture.

As the remains of Ogogo now rest in his hometown, attention has shifted from the painful news of his passing to his final farewell, with Ilaro preparing to honour a man whose name became inseparable from the history of Yoruba entertainment.

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