Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66 After Battle With Cancer
By Peace Erewunmi
Veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66.
Hassan passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after battling stage-four cancer.
The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional Instagram Live session. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed the death of his longtime colleague.
According to a burial announcement shared by Jide Kosoko, Ogogo died at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. His remains are expected to be taken to his hometown, Ilaro, in Ogun State, ahead of his final rites.
Battle With Cancer
Ogogo’s death comes just days after his family publicly revealed the seriousness of his health condition and appealed for medical assistance.
His daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, had disclosed that the actor was battling stage-four cancer and sought urgent support for his treatment.
The development came amid widespread concern from fans and colleagues in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Interestingly, reports of Ogogo’s death had circulated earlier in the week but were dismissed by his family as false. The family’s confirmation on Sunday has now been followed by statements from several industry figures and news organisations.
A Veteran of Yoruba Cinema
Taiwo Hassan was one of the recognisable figures in Yoruba-language Nollywood, with a career spanning more than four decades.
Known affectionately as Ogogo, he worked as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter and became particularly known for his roles in Yoruba films. His career began in the early 1980s before he eventually left his other work to focus fully on acting.
Over the years, he earned the respect of colleagues and audiences and became one of the veteran figures who helped shape Yoruba cinema.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans and public figures across Nigeria.
Burial Arrangements
Following his death, Jide Kosoko announced that Ogogo’s remains would be taken to Ilaro, Ogun State, where a lying-in-state ceremony is scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026.
The ceremony is expected to hold at the Pavillon in Ilaro at 11:00 a.m.
Taiwo Hassan’s death marks the loss of one of the enduring names in Nigerian Yoruba cinema.
He is survived by his family.
May his soul rest in peace.
