Nollywood Legend Ogogo Laid to Rest in Emotional Ilaro Ceremony — “Action Po Bi Ogogo” Echoes as Industry Mourns

Final Journey Home — ValidViewNetwork can report that tears flowed freely in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday 24th of August, 2026 as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, were carried to his final resting place.

An emotional atmosphere enveloped the venue as family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers gathered for the burial rites of the 66-year-old actor.

A video from the funeral procession showed mourners carrying Ogogo’s remains as they moved towards the place where he would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

And then, the bitter reality sank in — the actor who once declared “Action po bi Ogogo” can no longer play any role. Death, the only actor now, has taken centre stage, and the curtain has fallen on a glorious career.

Yinka Quadri Weeps Uncontrollably as Body Is Carried Away —

ValidViewNetwork has learned that among those at the funeral was Ogogo’s close friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, who was seen crying uncontrollably as mourners attempted to console him.

ValidViewNetwork can report that Quadri, who shared a long-standing relationship with the deceased, was among the prominent members of the Nollywood film industry who gathered in Ilaro to bid farewell to the late actor.

The emotional scene reflected the grief among the actor’s colleagues and loved ones as they bade him farewell.

ValidViewNetwork understands that Quadri who had organised a prayer session for Ogogo just days earlier alongside other Nollywood stars, was visibly devastated by the loss of his longtime friend and colleague.

“Who will I call my brother now?” a tearful colleague reportedly asked as they gathered around Quadri, who could barely stand.

ValidViewNetwork can confirm that a video of the emotional moment shows Quadri weeping as Ogogo’s remains were being carried towards the gravesite, a heart-wrenching image of a brother bidding farewell to a brother, a friend saying goodbye to a friend who had become family.

Nollywood Stars Arrive in Ilaro

ValidViewNetwork can confirm that Nollywood actors, including Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya, arrived in Ilaro for the burial.

Also present were Ireti Osayemi and Bisi Omo Logbalogba, alongside other colleagues, family members and well-wishers.

ValidViewNetwork gathered that the lying-in-state ceremony held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Pavilion in Ilaro, a day after Ogogo’s remains were moved to his hometown following his death on Sunday.

Actor Bola Oyin-Adejobi also paid tribute to Ogogo during an interview with journalists ahead of the burial, while praying for the deceased to attain Al-Jannah Firdaus.

The Man Behind “Action Po Bi Ogogo” ValidViewNetwork can recall that the late actor was famous for his commanding screen presence, which gave rise to the popular Yoruba street slang, “Action po bi Ogogo” — meaning “Action plenty like Ogogo.”

The phrase became synonymous with his electrifying performances, particularly his action-packed scenes that thrilled audiences across generations.

His distinctive voice and imposing frame made every character he played unforgettable.

ValidViewNetwork has learned that Ogogo also popularised another iconic line: “Na all of us go chop breakfast” from a Yoruba movie, which became a street slang used in everyday conversations across Nigeria.

His ability to deliver lines with such authenticity that they became embedded in Nigerian pop culture is a testament to his extraordinary talent.

He didn’t just act; he breathed life into every character, making the audience believe, laugh, cry, and quote him for decades. His best friend, Yinka Quadri, had once said he had never loved a friend like he loved Ogogo.

Their friendship, spanning decades, was a testament to the kind of man Ogogo was, loyal, humble, and deeply committed to his craft and his people.

KWAM 1 Breaks Down On Stage ValidViewNetwork can exclusively report that Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, was overcome with emotion while performing at a live event in Mushin, Lagos, after news of Ogogo’s death reached him.

ValidViewNetwork has learned that the music star broke down in tears during the performance as he paid tribute to the late actor. He reportedly stopped singing briefly as he struggled to contain his emotions before continuing with his tribute.

A Legacy That Spanned Four Decades

ValidViewNetwork understands that Ogogo’s career spanned more than four decades, during which he featured in over 300 films and became one of the most recognisable actors in Yoruba cinema.

He was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State. Before taking up acting full-time, Hassan trained and worked as an automobile mechanic and spent about 13 years at the Lagos State Water Corporation, combining his government job with acting for several years.

He began his acting career in 1981 while still working as a mechanic and resigned from the water corporation in 1994 to focus fully on acting.

Beyond performing, Ogogo worked as a producer, director and screenwriter, contributing to stories rooted in Yoruba culture, family life, leadership, tradition and social responsibility.

He came from a family of twins, with his father, himself, and his children all being twins. He was one of only three surviving children from his parents’ thirteen children.

A trained boxer, Ogogo was known for his commanding screen presence and distinctive voice. His action-packed performances were so legendary that “Action po bi Ogogo” became a phrase that transcended cinema and entered everyday Nigerian vocabulary.

ValidViewNetwork can recall that Ogogo had battled chronic ulcer for six to seven years, which nearly took his life before his cancer diagnosis.

Atiku, Lagos Government Mourn ValidViewNetwork has confirmed that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has mourned Ogogo, describing his death as “deeply saddening”.

In a condolence message obtained by ValidViewNetwork, Atiku said Ogogo was more than a gifted actor, praising his contribution to Nigerian entertainment.

“Through a remarkable career, he brought laughter into countless homes, told stories that reflected our society and used his talent not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire social rebirth,” Atiku said.

The former Vice-President added that Hassan’s death had left “a painful void” in Nigeria’s creative community and among his numerous admirers.

ValidViewNetwork has also learned that the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture described Hassan as a cultural icon and distinguished ambassador of Yoruba heritage.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the ministry said Hassan was “more than an actor,” describing him as “a custodian of culture, a gifted storyteller, and a proud ambassador of Yoruba heritage.”

TAMPAN President, Colleagues Pay Tribute

ValidViewNetwork understands that the President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, described Ogogo as “a great icon, a legend and a father to many”.

Actor Saheed Balogun called Ogogo his brother and wrote: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. You can rest now, my brother Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. May Almighty Allah guide you through Aljannah. This is truly painful.”

Femi Adebayo described Ogogo as a “true pillar of Yoruba cinema” and said his impact would live on for generations. “Thank you for the years, the stories, the lessons and the moments that made us fall in love with the craft. You will forever be Ogogo to us,” Adebayo said.

Toyosi Adesanya also honoured her late mentor, describing him as an epitome of simplicity and integrity who paved the way for many.

“Don’t Cry, My Princess” — Final Words of Comfort

ValidViewNetwork has learned that just weeks before his death, Ogogo comforted his crying daughter, Kaira, with the words: “Don’t cry, my princess.”

The daughter had been overwhelmed with emotion as her father battled stage-four cancer, and even in his final days, Ogogo remained a pillar of strength for his family.

Kira Taiwo had earlier been seen crying during a live Instagram session on Sunday, where she expressed disbelief over her father’s death. She had also previously disclosed that doctors informed the family that they could no longer administer chemotherapy because of his condition, prompting the family to seek other treatment options.

The Final Rites: A Timeline

ValidViewNetwork has compiled the following timeline of events surrounding the burial:Date Event

Sunday, August 23, 2026 (3:00 p.m.) Ogogo passed away at age 66 after battling stage-four cancer

Sunday, August 23, 2026 (Evening) Jide Kosoko announced the death on Instagram; remains taken to Ilaro

Monday, August 24, 2026 (10:00 a.m.) Burial prayer at Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, Ilaro

Monday, August 24, 2026 (11:00 a.m.) Lying-in-state ceremony at the Pavilion, Ilaro

Monday, August 24, 2026 (Afternoon) Interment according to Islamic rites

The Verdict: A Void That Can Never Be Filled

ValidViewNetwork can conclude that the Yoruba film industry and the nation at large will continue to mourn the loss of a legend whose impact on Nigerian entertainment will never be forgotten.”

Action po bi Ogogo”, the famous line that celebrated his prowess on screen now serves as a painful reminder that the action has stopped.

The curtain has fallen.

The stage is empty.

Ogogo can no longer act.

Death is now the only actor.

His unique voice, his imposing frame, his ability to make audiences laugh and cry in equal measure — all of it is gone.

But his legacy lives on in the hearts of millions who grew up watching him, quoting him, and celebrating him.”Na all of us go chop breakfast”, the iconic line that defined his wit and wisdom now takes on a deeper meaning.

For we have all gathered at the table of grief, mourning the loss of a legend who fed our souls with his craft.Ogogo is gone, but he will never be forgotten.