ValidViewNetwork can report that veteran Nollywood actor/director Abbey Lanre has penned a deeply emotional tribute to his late friend and colleague Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing the pain of saying goodbye as “incredibly difficult” while announcing a series of upcoming events to honour the late icon.
Abbey Lanre, who was among the Nollywood stars who gathered in Ilaro for Ogogo’s burial on Monday, August 24, 2026, took to Facebook to share his grief and announce the remaining burial programmes.
“Accepting that I must say goodbye to you has been incredibly difficult. Very, very difficult. However, death is inevitable,” Abbey Lanre wrote.
A Brother’s Gratitude
ValidViewNetwork has learned that Abbey Lanre expressed profound gratitude for the decades of friendship they shared.
“Tayelolu ejire ara isokun, thank you for all the good and challenging times we shared. Thank you for being a loyal and dependable friend, confidant, and brother for so many decades,” he wrote.
The tribute continued with a poetic Yoruba invocation:
“Haaaaa! Agbe lo pelu aro dida, Aluko lo pelu osun kikun, Lekeleke lo pelu aso fun fun. OGOGO OMO KULODO, you came, you saw, and you conquered.”
“Rest Peacefully, My Friend and Brother”
ValidViewNetwork can report that Abbey Lanre concluded his tribute with a prayer and an invitation to all well-wishers.
“Rest peacefully, my friend and brother. May your journey be safe,” he wrote.
He then announced three upcoming events in honour of Ogogo:
Upcoming Events in Honour of Ogogo
ValidViewNetwork can confirm the following events as announced by Abbey Lanre:
1. 8th-Day Fidau Prayer at Ilaro
· Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
· Venue: Ilaro, Ogun State
The family had earlier announced through Prince Jide Kosoko that the 8th-day Fidau prayer would be held on Monday, August 31, in Ilaro, appealing to friends, colleagues, fans and well-wishers to “come en masse to Ilaro” to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of Ogogo.
The programme is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. prompt.
2. Odunfa Caucus Fidau Prayer
· Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
· Time: 2:00 p.m. prompt
· Venue: 40 Odunfa Street, Ebute Metta
ValidViewNetwork understands that the Odunfa Caucus, a prominent group within the Yoruba film industry (Ogogo was the Vice Chairman in his lifetime while Yinka Chairman hold sway as Chairman), will hold a special Fidau prayer in honour of Ogogo.
The caucus had earlier expressed its appreciation to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for his support during Ogogo’s burial and Fidau prayers.
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3. Artists’ Day (40 Days After Burial)
· Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
· Venue: The Pavilion, Ilaro
ValidViewNetwork can confirm that the 40-day Artists’ Day will feature performances by actors, musicians, comedians, singers and other entertainers in celebration of Ogogo’s life and legacy.
The programme will be coordinated by TAMPAN (Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria).
A Life Worth Celebrating
Ogogo’s death on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, plunged the Nigerian entertainment industry into grief. The veteran actor, born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, carved out a remarkable career in Nigerian cinema, becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba films.
His burial on Monday, August 24, 2026, was attended by a who’s who of the Yoruba film industry, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin, Abbey Lanre, Segun Ogungbe, and many others.
One of the most emotional moments came when Yinka Quadri broke down in tears at the burial of his lifelong friend and colleague.
ValidViewNetwork understands that the upcoming events, the 8th-day Fidau prayer, the Odunfa Caucus prayer, and the 40-day Artists’ Day represent the industry’s commitment to honouring a man whose contributions to Nigerian cinema will not be forgotten.
ValidViewNetwork will continue to follow developments in the entertainment industry and bring you updates on the tribute events planned for the late icon.
