The palace of His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, has extended condolences to the family, friends, associates, admirers and the entire Ilaro and Yewa community on the transition of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, aka Ogogo, the Otun Mayegun of Ilaro.
In a statement made available to TCN by Adeola Adeyemi, the Special Assistant to the monarch on Media & Strategic Communications, the Olu Ilaro said Ogogo distinguished himself as a theatre practitioner and cultural ambassador, dedicating much of his life to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba theatre and cultural values.
“Through his craft and deep connection to our traditions, he projected the richness of Yoruba culture to audiences far beyond Ilaro and Yewaland, earning distinction and admiration in the process.
“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan’s love for Yewaland was genuine and unmistakable. He identified deeply with his people, remained concerned about the wellbeing of the community and gave himself to causes that promoted the unity and development of his people. His warmth and accessibility endeared him to many and made him a respected figure within the community.”
Oba Olugbenle also acknowledged the immense loss Ogodo’s transition represents to Ilaro, describing the gifted thespian as “a man who carried Yewaland in his heart.”
“For Ilaro and indeed Yewaland, his death has created a vacuum that can never truly be filled. There are people whose presence becomes part of the identity of a community, and Ogogo was one of such people.
“At this difficult moment, we take solace in the life he lived, the people he touched and the service he rendered to his beloved Ilaro and Yewaland.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.”
