BREAKING: Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66 After Cancer Battle

Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after battling cancer.

The veteran Yoruba actor’s death was reported on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after his daughter, Kira Taiwo, announced the development during an Instagram Live session.

The news comes just days after the actor’s family publicly revealed that he was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance.

Ogogo had been receiving treatment for the illness, with his daughters, Lima and Kira, making emotional appeals to medical professionals, hospitals and well-wishers who could help the family secure further treatment.

His death has since triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and other members of the Nigerian entertainment industry.

### Ogogo’s battle with cancer

Concern over the actor’s health became public earlier this month after his daughters disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer.

In separate emotional appeals, the actor’s daughters explained that his condition had deteriorated and that the family was searching for medical specialists and facilities capable of continuing his treatment.

They stressed that they were not seeking financial donations but were looking for medical assistance and access to appropriate treatment.

The disclosure prompted widespread concern within Nollywood, with several actors and filmmakers rallying around the veteran actor.

On Friday, August 21, prominent Yoruba movie stars and filmmakers gathered in Lagos for a prayer session for Ogogo.

Among those who attended the gathering were veteran actors including Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Bukky Wright, Wale Elesho, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, and Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.

The gathering was held at BOS Hall, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, as colleagues and friends prayed for his recovery.

### Death comes days after earlier rumour

Ogogo’s death comes only days after his family was forced to dismiss an earlier social media report claiming that the actor had already died.

On August 18, his daughter Lima described the report as false and urged members of the public to disregard it.

At the time, the family confirmed that Ogogo was seriously ill and battling stage-four cancer but said reports of his death were untrue.

The situation changed on Sunday, August 23, when his daughter Kira announced his death during an Instagram Live session.

Multiple Nigerian media organisations subsequently reported the death.

### Ogogo’s legacy in Nollywood

Taiwo Hassan was one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s Yoruba-language film industry.

Popularly known as Ogogo, he built a career spanning several decades as an actor, producer and filmmaker.

He became particularly known for his roles in Yoruba films and was regarded as one of the veterans who helped shape the modern Nigerian home-video industry.

Over the course of his career, he appeared in numerous Yoruba-language productions and worked alongside some of the biggest names in the Nigerian film industry.

His distinctive acting style and long career earned him a large following among audiences in Nigeria and beyond.

The actor was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, and was 66 years old at the time of his death.

### Nollywood mourns

News of Ogogo’s death has sent shockwaves through the Yoruba entertainment community.

The actor's colleagues had only recently rallied around him following the disclosure of his illness, making the latest development particularly painful for members of the industry.

Tributes are expected to continue pouring in as actors, filmmakers, fans and other Nigerians remember the veteran entertainer and his contribution to Nollywood.

Ogogo's death represents another major loss for Nigeria's entertainment industry, particularly the Yoruba film sector where he remained a prominent figure for decades.

Further details concerning his burial arrangements and funeral plans are expected from the family.