The remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.
The burial, held in his hometown of Ilaro in Ogun State, drew an emotional crowd of family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers who gathered to bid farewell to the 66-year-old actor.
A video from the funeral procession showed mourners carrying his remains towards the burial ground, while an atmosphere of grief hung over the ceremony.
Ogogo’s close friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, was seen weeping uncontrollably, with mourners attempting to console him.
Other Nollywood stars, including Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya, had earlier arrived in Ilaro for the burial. Ireti Osayemi, Bisi Omo Logbalogba and other colleagues, family members and well-wishers were also present.
Actor Bola Oyin-Adejobi paid tribute to Ogogo in an interview with journalists before the burial, praying for the deceased to attain Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The funeral rites came a day after Ogogo’s remains were taken to Ilaro following his death on Sunday. Jide Kosoko had announced the actor’s death at about 3:00pm and said his remains would be taken to his hometown for a lying-in-state ceremony on Monday.
The Ilaro Muslim Community also announced the burial prayer for the late actor.
Ogogo’s death followed days of concern over his health, after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for medical assistance as he battled stage-four cancer. Kaira had said doctors told the family chemotherapy could no longer be administered because of his condition, prompting them to seek other treatment options.
A major figure in Nigerian cinema, especially Yoruba-language films, Ogogo’s career spanned more than four decades. He featured in hundreds of films and became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba film.
He is survived by his children and other family members.