His Passing Is a Great Loss': Tinubu Mourns as Actor Ogogo Dies of Cancer at 66

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after a battle with stage-four cancer.

In a condolence message issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the actor’s death as a great loss to the Yoruba film industry, Nollywood and Nigeria’s wider creative community.

The President extended his condolences to Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and the millions of people who admired his work throughout his decades-long career.

Tinubu said Hassan used his talent not only to entertain audiences but also to tell Nigerian stories and preserve aspects of the country’s cultural heritage.

The President described the late actor as a gifted artiste whose contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry would continue to be remembered.

According to Tinubu, Ogogo’s body of work represented an important contribution to the development of Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

### Tinubu praises Ogogo's contribution to culture

The President said Ogogo's career went beyond acting, noting his role in promoting Nigerian culture through his performances and filmmaking.

He said the late actor used his craft to tell Nigerian stories, preserve cultural values and entertain audiences both within the country and abroad.

Tinubu urged members of the creative industry and Nigerians generally to honour Hassan's memory by preserving and building on the cultural and artistic traditions to which he devoted his life.

The President also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late actor's soul and asked God to give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

### Ogogo's final days

Ogogo's death came after his family disclosed that the veteran actor had been battling stage-four cancer.

His daughters had appealed for medical assistance after his condition became critical, with the family seeking help from medical professionals and cancer specialists.

The revelation triggered an outpouring of support from colleagues, fans and other Nigerians, many of whom offered prayers for his recovery.

Members of the Yoruba film industry also organised a prayer session for the actor as news of his deteriorating health spread.

The family had initially dismissed reports of his death when an unconfirmed report circulated several days before his eventual passing.

However, his death was later confirmed by members of his family and subsequently announced by veteran actor Jide Kosoko.

Reports indicated that Hassan died at about 3 p.m. on Sunday.

### A career spanning decades

Taiwo Hassan was one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language Nigerian cinema.

Popularly known as Ogogo, he built a career spanning several decades and established himself as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter.

His performances in Yoruba films made him a household name and earned him a large following among Nigerian movie audiences.

He worked with several generations of actors and filmmakers and remained active in the industry for many years.

His death has since generated tributes from colleagues, politicians, government officials and fans across the country.

Among those mourning him are members of the Nollywood community who described his contribution to Yoruba cinema and Nigerian entertainment as significant.

### Ogogo buried in Ilaro

Following his death, the actor's family announced that he would be buried in his hometown, Ilaro, in Ogun State.

His remains were taken to Ilaro as family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers gathered to pay their final respects.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and prominent Nollywood figures, including Mr Latin and Yinka Quadri, were among those who attended the funeral activities.

The burial brought together members of the Yoruba film industry and other mourners who came to honour the late actor.

Ogogo's death has therefore marked the end of a long and influential career in Nigerian entertainment.

For President Tinubu, his passing represents not only the loss of a veteran actor but also the loss of a cultural storyteller whose work helped bring Nigerian stories and traditions to audiences through film and theatre.