Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, is facing a new health crisis, with his daughters seeking urgent medical assistance following a stage-four cancer diagnosis.
Haleemah and Kira Taiwo made separate appeals on Instagram on Monday, asking doctors, hospitals and cancer specialists who can assist their 66-year-old father to come forward.
The sisters stressed that they were seeking medical intervention rather than financial support.
Haleemah alleged that some hospitals had stopped treating their father, while Kira said the medical team at his current hospital had informed the family that chemotherapy was no longer an option.
The development comes about a year after Hassan publicly recounted a prolonged battle with chronic ulcer that he said lasted seven years.
Ogogo’s account of his ulcer battle
In a July 2025 interview with Oyinmomo TV, Hassan described the ulcer episode as one of the most difficult periods of his life.
He recalled experiencing severe chest pain while heading to a film location, with the pain extending towards his back. After seeking medical attention, he said he was diagnosed with ulcer.
Hassan said the condition persisted for years and severely restricted his ability to eat and work.
“For a good seven years, I was ill. I started vomiting blood for seven months; I prayed while sitting, and I couldn’t eat anything except pap,” he recalled.
The actor also said he sought treatment from different sources during the period and was unable to regularly attend film locations.
Despite the prolonged illness, he said he was grateful for the support he received and that he was able to retain his properties during the difficult period.
Nollywood rallies around veteran actor
News of Hassan’s latest health challenge has prompted calls for medical assistance from colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo appealed on X for individuals and medical institutions to help the family identify oncologists and hospitals capable of reviewing Hassan’s medical records.
Adebayo emphasised that the family was not asking for money but needed professional medical guidance.
“Please let’s rally around our beloved Sir Taiwo Hassan, who is currently facing a serious health challenge battling cancer,” he wrote.
Actress Toyin Abraham also shared a video featuring Hassan’s daughters on Instagram on Tuesday, urging anyone with relevant medical contacts to get in touch with the family.
The family’s appeal comes as fans and colleagues continue to rally around the veteran actor, whose career in Yoruba-language cinema spans more than three decades.
