Nollywood comic actor Amokade Olatayo, widely known as Ijebu, has issued a heartfelt public plea for forgiveness, saying the death of veteran star Taiwo Hassan, popularly called Ogogo, has forced him to confront the fragility of life.
Speaking in an emotional video shared on Instagram, Ijebu said his heart had been “very heavy” as he processed the loss of the respected Yoruba film icon. The comedian, known for his boisterous screen persona, appeared subdued as he addressed family members, colleagues and fans, asking anyone he might have wronged to pardon him.
He appealed directly to senior figures in the industry, his peers and younger actors coming behind him, stressing that his message was not a publicity stunt but a genuine attempt to clear his conscience and mend strained relationships. Describing himself as “a sinner,” he said he did not want to carry the weight of unresolved conflicts any longer.
Ijebu explained that Ogogo’s passing had become a stark reminder that no one knows when their final day will come. That awareness, he said, pushed him to make peace publicly rather than wait for private conversations that might never happen. He added that his appeal extended both ways: he was not only asking for forgiveness but also offering it to those who had hurt him.
Reflecting on the transient nature of fame and material success, the actor noted that people arrive in the world with nothing and leave with nothing, making grudges and rivalries ultimately meaningless. In an industry often marked by quiet feuds, competition and bruised egos, his message doubled as a call for unity among practitioners.
By turning his grief into a plea for reconciliation, Ijebu framed Ogogo’s death as a moment of collective introspection for Nollywood. He urged colleagues and fans alike to prioritise compassion over conflict, insisting that life is too short to be spent in bitterness when tomorrow is never guaranteed.