Nollywood stars, family members, friends and other well-wishers have gathered in Ilaro, Ogun State, for the eight-day Fidau prayer in honour of late veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
The prayer is being held on Monday, August 31, 2026, as part of the programmes announced by the actor’s family to complete his burial rites.
Ogogo, who died at the age of 66 on Sunday, August 23, was buried the following day in his hometown of Ilaro in accordance with Islamic rites.
His death sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from actors, filmmakers, musicians, fans and other personalities who described him as one of the notable figures in the development of Yoruba-language cinema.
The eight-day Fidau prayer has provided another opportunity for members of the entertainment industry and the late actor’s loved ones to come together in prayer and remembrance.
Nollywood stars gather in Ilaro
Several colleagues of the late actor have continued to rally around his family following his death and burial.
Among those who attended Ogogo’s burial were veteran actors Jide Kosoko and Yinka Quadri, alongside other prominent figures from the Yoruba movie industry.
The family had earlier appealed to Ogogo’s friends, colleagues, fans and well-wishers to attend the Fidau prayer and join them in praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
The programme was announced by veteran actor Jide Kosoko on behalf of Ogogo’s family.
In a statement issued after the burial, Kosoko expressed appreciation to those who attended the funeral and supported the family during the difficult period.
The family said the large turnout at the burial demonstrated the love and respect Ogogo enjoyed during his lifetime.
According to the family, the eighth-day prayer is intended to bring together relatives, friends, colleagues and admirers to pray for the late actor.
Ogogo died at 66
Taiwo Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.
His death was announced by fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko, prompting an outpouring of grief across Nollywood and among his numerous fans.
The actor’s death came shortly after members of his family disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer and appealed for assistance with his treatment.
Ogogo was subsequently buried in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, August 24, according to Islamic rites.
His funeral attracted several personalities from the Nigerian entertainment industry, reflecting the prominent position he occupied in Yoruba cinema over several decades.
Reports from Radio Nigeria, Punch and other Nigerian media outlets confirmed the date of the Fidau prayer and the family’s plans for the remaining ceremonies. (Punch)
Family announces remaining burial programmes
Following Ogogo’s burial, the family announced two major programmes to conclude the ceremonies in his honour.
The first is the eighth-day Fidau prayer, which is being held in Ilaro on Monday, August 31.
The second is an Artists’ Day scheduled to take place 40 days after his burial.
The Artists’ Day will be held at Pavilion Hall in Ilaro and will feature members of the entertainment industry celebrating Ogogo through performances and tributes.
The family said actors, musicians, comedians, singers and other entertainers are expected to participate in the event.
The programme will be coordinated by the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, TAMPAN. (Tribune Online)
Artists to celebrate Ogogo’s legacy
The planned Artists’ Day is expected to provide the entertainment industry with an opportunity to celebrate Ogogo’s professional career rather than focus solely on mourning his death.
The family described the programme as a fitting tribute to the veteran actor and his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Ogogo was widely associated with Yoruba-language movies and built a career spanning acting, filmmaking and other aspects of the creative industry.
His colleagues have continued to remember him for his contribution to the growth of Yoruba cinema and his long-standing relationships with other major figures in the industry.
The Artists’ Day will therefore serve as another opportunity for entertainers who worked with or knew Ogogo to pay tribute to his career and legacy.
A career spanning decades
Ogogo was one of the recognisable faces of Yoruba-language Nollywood.
Over the course of his career, he established himself as an actor and filmmaker and became particularly popular among audiences of Yoruba movies.
His career coincided with the growth of the Nigerian home-video industry and the subsequent expansion of Yoruba cinema.
Beyond his work in front of the camera, he was also involved in filmmaking and worked alongside several prominent actors and practitioners in the industry.
His death has therefore been regarded by many of his colleagues as a significant loss to Yoruba entertainment.
Tributes from industry figures have highlighted his long career and the relationships he developed with fellow practitioners.
Family appreciates fans and colleagues
The family has also expressed gratitude to the people who attended Ogogo’s burial and continued to support them following his death.
In the statement announcing the remaining burial programmes, the family acknowledged the large number of fans, friends, colleagues, associates and well-wishers who travelled to Ilaro for the funeral.
The family said the turnout was a demonstration of the affection and respect people had for Ogogo while he was alive.
It also appealed for continued prayers and support as the family completes the remaining burial rites.
Ogogo’s final farewell continues
While the burial brought the formal funeral proceedings closer to completion, the eighth-day Fidau prayer and the planned Artists’ Day are providing additional opportunities for family members, friends and colleagues to honour the late actor.
The gathering in Ilaro on Monday is centred on prayers for Ogogo, while the Artists’ Day will later provide a platform for entertainers to celebrate his life and professional achievements.
For many within Yoruba Nollywood, the ceremonies represent not only a farewell to a veteran actor but also an opportunity to reflect on the contribution he made to the industry during his decades-long career.
As family members and Nollywood colleagues gather in Ilaro for the Fidau prayer, tributes to Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, continue to underline the impact he made on Yoruba cinema and the wider Nigerian entertainment industry.
