Don’t Let Ogogo’s Legacy Die With Him, Ewenla Tells, Ogun Govt, Yewa Leaders

…Seeks permanent memorial to celebrate late actor’s contribution to Yoruba culture, Nollywood

Prince Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has called on the Yewa leadership, Ogun State Government and other stakeholders to establish a permanent memorial in honour of late veteran actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo.

Ewenla, in a statement mourning the death of the renowned actor, described Ogogo as a cultural icon whose career and achievements brought recognition to Yewa and Nigeria both locally and internationally.

He said the late actor’s final resting place should be considered as part of efforts to preserve his legacy and ensure that future generations remember his contributions to Yoruba culture and the Nigerian film industry.

According to him, Ogogo was not an ordinary personality, having achieved international recognition through his talent, dedication and contribution to the growth of Nollywood.

Ewenla urged the family, community leaders and Islamic scholars to engage in informed discussions on appropriate burial arrangements, particularly regarding the possibility of establishing a dignified memorial resting place.

He said the claim that Muslims could not be buried at home should not be treated as an absolute religious rule without proper scholarly clarification, citing historical examples of prominent Muslims being buried within or around their residences.

Ewenla, however, stressed that any decision on the matter must be consistent with Islamic teachings and the wishes of the deceased’s family.

He said preserving the final resting place of prominent personalities could help promote cultural history and tourism, while providing a place where people could learn about their contributions to society.

The Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo also raised concerns about the welfare of Nigerian actors and actresses, particularly when they fall seriously ill.

He said reports concerning the circumstances surrounding Ogogo’s final days, including alleged restrictions on traditional medical practitioners and religious figures who wanted to assist him, should be carefully examined if found to be accurate.

Ewenla clarified that he was not advocating the abandonment of professional medical treatment, but called for lawful and safe complementary care to be properly considered alongside medical advice where patients and their families desire it.

He also urged the Federal Government to establish a national welfare and health support programme for creative professionals, particularly ageing actors, actresses and other cultural icons who have spent their productive years promoting Nigeria’s culture.

According to him, Nigerian entertainers have contributed significantly to the country’s cultural diplomacy by promoting Yoruba language, culture, fashion, history and national identity to audiences around the world.

He said governments and relevant stakeholders should support cultural icons while they are alive instead of waiting until they are critically ill or dead before recognising their contributions.

Ewenla further called on the Yewa leadership, Ogun State Government, local government authorities, traditional institutions, the film industry and the family of the deceased to consider establishing a cultural centre, museum, theatre, film academy, street or other landmark in Ogogo’s name.

He said such an initiative would preserve the actor’s legacy and inspire younger generations to appreciate the achievements of a Yewa son who rose from Ilaro to gain international recognition.

Ewenla urged Nigerians to learn from Ogogo’s death by developing a framework for preserving the legacies of distinguished citizens.

He expressed condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and people of Yewa over the loss, praying that Almighty Allah forgive Ogogo’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.