Nigerian singer Burna Boy and Nollywood actors Amokade Olatayo, popularly known as Ijebu, and Bimbo Thomas have joined the growing tributes to veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66.
The three entertainers reacted separately to Hassan’s death on Monday, with Burna Boy describing the late actor as a father figure, while Ijebu used the moment to call for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Burna Boy, in a tribute shared on Monday, said Hassan had played a significant role in his life and that he found it difficult to come to terms with the actor’s death.
“RIP to our father, Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, aka Ogogo. This is a very painful loss. You’ve always been like a father to me,” the singer said.
He added, “I grew up watching your movies. Hearing this news really broke me. I still find it hard to believe. Rest in peace, legend.”
Meanwhile, Ijebu said Ogogo’s death had reminded him of the brevity of life and prompted him to seek forgiveness from anyone he might have offended.
In an emotional Instagram video shared on Monday morning, the actor said his heart was heavy as he appealed to his family, colleagues and other members of the movie industry to forgive him for any wrongdoing.
“My heart is so heavy this morning. I have been awake since 6am. My heart is so heavy,” Ijebu said.
The actor appealed to his seniors, colleagues, younger actors, workers and others he might have offended to forgive him.
“My boss, my workers, the younger ones behind me and my colleagues in the movie industry, I want to use this medium to beg you all for forgiveness. I’m a sinner; please forgive me,” he said.
Ijebu also said he had chosen to forgive those who had offended him, explaining that he wanted to make peace with everyone and free himself from emotional burdens.
“My heart is so heavy. I’m making this video to make peace with everyone in order to reduce the burden on my heart. And I’m also here to tell everyone who has offended me that I have forgiven you,” he said.
Reflecting on the uncertainty and brevity of life, Ijebu urged people to avoid prolonged conflicts and embrace forgiveness.
“We came to this world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing. We don’t have any reason to be fighting ourselves. Life is too short,” he said.
Also mourning the late actor, actress Bimbo Thomas reacted emotionally to his death in a video shared on her Instagram Stories.
Speaking through tears, the actress said she had not expected the news and acknowledged the finality of Hassan’s passing.
“This is so sad. I prayed. God is unquestionable,” she said.
She added, “I didn’t see this coming at all.”
Hassan’s death has continued to generate tributes from colleagues, entertainers and admirers, with many reflecting on his decades-long contribution to the Yoruba film industry and his influence on generations of actors and viewers.
