Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has responded to criticism over a promotional video for her new movie that appeared online shortly after the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, saying the post had been scheduled before news of his death emerged.
Amusa addressed the controversy in a video after some fans and colleagues criticised the timing of the promotion while tributes were being paid to the late actor.
The actress said the publication was not a deliberate attempt to disregard Hassan’s death or the mourning surrounding his passing.
According to Amusa, the promotional video had been prepared and scheduled before she and others received news of Hassan’s death.
She explained that she considered removing the post after noticing that it had gone live, but discovered that it had already attracted significant engagement.
“I came to see which post it was, then I saw which one it was. Wanting to take it off, I realised that it had generated hundred thousands of comments and all that.”
Amusa said she was particularly concerned by the reaction that followed, including abusive comments directed at her over the post.
“Seeing some of the comments, the insults, people cursing on me over a post that had been scheduled even long before we got the news of Uncle Ogogo.”
Her explanation comes as the Yoruba film industry continues to mourn Hassan, one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian cinema.
Hassan died after a long and influential career in the Yoruba-language film industry, where he became widely known for his acting, stage performances and contribution to the development of indigenous Nigerian cinema.
His death has prompted tributes from fellow actors, political figures and fans, with several colleagues describing him as an important figure whose influence extended beyond individual film roles.
The controversy surrounding Amusa’s post appears to have centred primarily on timing rather than the content of the actress’s tribute or her relationship with Hassan.
Social media users can react quickly when promotional material appears during a period of public mourning, particularly when the deceased is a prominent figure within the same entertainment community.
Amusa’s explanation seeks to provide that missing context, stressing that the post was part of a promotional schedule established before Hassan’s death rather than a fresh decision to market a film while colleagues were mourning.
The episode also highlights the increasingly complicated relationship between scheduled social media content and real-world events.
Actors, musicians and other public figures frequently prepare promotional material days or weeks in advance, meaning posts can sometimes appear automatically after circumstances have changed.
For Amusa, the backlash has now prompted a public explanation as the entertainment industry continues to pay tribute to Ogogo and his legacy.
