Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66
Susan Abayomi
Veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
The renowned Yoruba actor died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a brief but serious health battle that had attracted widespread concern within the Nigerian entertainment industry.
His death was confirmed by multiple sources, including veteran actor Jide Kosoko and filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi. Ogogo’s daughter, Kira Taiwo, was also seen mourning her father during an emotional social media appearance following the development.
The news came only days after Ogogo’s family publicly disclosed that the actor had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer and appealed for medical assistance as they sought further treatment options.
According to reports, his daughters had revealed that doctors had informed the family that chemotherapy could no longer be administered, prompting them to explore other possible medical options for their father.
Ogogo’s illness sparked an outpouring of concern from colleagues, fans and other members of the entertainment industry, with several prominent actors rallying support for the veteran during his final days.
Born in Ilaro, Ogun State, Taiwo Hassan built an illustrious career spanning more than four decades. He began acting in 1981 while also working as an auto mechanic before eventually making acting his full-time profession in 1994.
He rose to prominence through his performances in Yoruba-language productions and became a familiar face to generations of Nigerian movie audiences. His appearance in the popular 1996 home-video film Owo Blow further strengthened his reputation and helped establish him as one of the notable figures in Yoruba Nollywood.
Over the course of his career, Ogogo featured in hundreds of films and earned recognition for his versatility, distinctive screen presence and contribution to the growth of Yoruba cinema.
His death has since triggered tributes across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans remembering him not only for his acting career but also for his longstanding contribution to Nigerian film.
Fellow actor Saheed Balogun was among those who mourned the veteran star, describing his passing as painful and praying for his peaceful rest.
Ogogo’s passing marks the loss of one of the veteran voices of Nigeria’s Yoruba film industry, ending a career that spanned more than 40 years and left a lasting impression on the country’s entertainment landscape.
As tributes continue to pour in, fans and colleagues are remembering Taiwo Hassan as a respected actor whose work helped shape the evolution of Yoruba-language cinema and inspired younger generations of performers.
