“How Taiwo Hassan contributed to my person when I came back from London to Nigeria” – Faithia Williams Delivers Emotional Tribute to Late Ogogo at Fidau Prayer (Video)

…Actress recounts how veteran actor welcomed her back from London and shaped her career

…Ogogo laid to rest after battling stage four cancer, industry colleagues gather for 8-day prayer

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Faithia Williams has delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late colleague, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, describing him as a boss who played a pivotal role in shaping her life and career .

Speaking at the late actor’s eight-day Fidau prayer held in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, the actress opened up about the profound impact Ogogo had on her when she returned to Nigeria from London and joined the Odunfa theatre group .

In her emotional tribute, Faithia described Ogogo as far more than a senior colleague, crediting him with giving her a sense of belonging at a crucial point in her life .

“Ogogo wasn’t just a boss to me; he was someone who contributed greatly to my person when I came back from London to Nigeria and joined Odunfa. He was there for me, and I was greatly and warmly welcomed. He was honest, peaceful and irreplaceable,” she said .

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The actress painted a picture of a man whose warmth and encouragement helped her settle back into Nigeria and find her footing in the Yoruba film industry after years away from home .

The Odunfa Caucus, which Faithia joined upon her return, is a legendary theatre training school and film production collective co-founded by Taiwo Hassan alongside Yinka Quadri and others in the late 1980s . Ogogo was one of the key figures who helped younger actors navigate the industry, making his loss deeply felt across the Yoruba movie sector.

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The veteran actor passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling stage four cancer . His daughter, Kira Hassan, announced his death during an emotional Instagram Live session .

He was laid to rest the following day in Ilaro, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites, with scores of colleagues in attendance .

The eight-day Fidau prayer drew a gathering of prominent industry figures, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, and Femi Adebayo, who joined family members and fans to honour the late screen icon .

Ogogo began his acting career in the early 1980s and spent more than four decades entertaining audiences, working as an actor, filmmaker, and producer . His death has left a significant void in the Nigerian movie industry, with colleagues describing him as a respected elder, mentor, and one of the most recognisable faces of Yoruba cinema .