Veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66.
His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional Instagram Live session on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The actor’s death came just days after his family disclosed that he was battling stage-four cancer and appealed publicly for help in finding further treatment options.
On August 17, Kira and her sister, Lima Taiwo, separately sought medical assistance for their father, appealing to doctors, hospitals and cancer specialists with possible options for advanced treatment.
The family said they were not seeking financial donations. Instead, they wanted medical expertise and information that could help them explore further treatment for the actor.
Kira had said doctors were no longer able to continue chemotherapy because of the severity of his condition. The family subsequently explored other possibilities, including specialised treatment and alternative options.
Ogogo’s health crisis became public only days before his death. Reports at the time said his cancer had affected his abdomen and that the family was searching urgently for specialists who could assess his condition.
His death was also announced by veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who said Hassan died at about 3 p.m. on Sunday.
A career spanning decades
Hassan was one of the recognisable figures in Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning several decades.
He appeared in more than 300 Yoruba films and became known to audiences through productions including Ogogo, Owo Blow and King of Boys.
His work across acting and filmmaking earned him a lasting place in Nigeria’s film industry, particularly within Yoruba cinema.
Born in Ilaro, Ogun State, Hassan began his acting career in the early 1980s and went on to build a reputation as a versatile performer in both traditional Yoruba productions and contemporary Nollywood.
Final journey
Following news of his death, tributes began pouring in from colleagues, political figures and admirers of his work.
Hassan’s remains were taken to Ilaro, his hometown in Ogun State, ahead of his burial according to Islamic rites.
A lying-in-state ceremony was scheduled for Monday, August 24, at the Pavilion in Ilaro, with the burial also expected to take place the same day.
His death marks the loss of another prominent figure from the generation that helped establish Yoruba cinema as a major force within Nigeria’s film industry.
