JUST IN: Popular Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan popularly known as"Ogogo" is dead

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

The actor’s death was announced on Sunday, August 23, 2026, by his daughter, Kira Hassan, during an Instagram Live session.

The development comes just days after Ogogo’s family publicly disclosed that the veteran actor was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance.

News of his death has sent shockwaves across the Nigerian film industry, particularly among colleagues and fans of Yoruba-language cinema who had rallied around the actor during his illness.

Ogogo had been receiving treatment in hospital in recent days as his family and colleagues sought medical assistance for his deteriorating condition.

### Family had earlier denied death reports

The confirmation of Ogogo’s death comes after his family earlier this week dismissed reports that the actor had died.

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

At the time, the family confirmed that the actor was seriously ill and battling stage-four cancer.

His daughters, Lima and Kira, had separately appealed to Nigerians, medical professionals and cancer specialists for help in finding appropriate treatment for their father.

The family said they were primarily seeking medical assistance and access to specialists rather than financial donations.

The situation had generated widespread concern across the entertainment industry, with actors and other prominent Nigerians joining calls for prayers and assistance.

### Ogogo's health battle

Ogogo's daughters had revealed that his condition had become critical and that doctors treating him were unable to continue chemotherapy because of the advanced stage of his illness.

The family's appeal prompted an outpouring of support from fellow actors, fans and well-wishers.

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko also provided updates on the situation, explaining that the family had received hundreds of offers from people seeking to assist the actor through medical and spiritual means.

Kosoko said moving Ogogo from the hospital was difficult because of his condition and the need for him to remain under appropriate medical care.

A prayer session was subsequently organised by members of the Yoruba film industry for the veteran actor.

Several prominent actors, including Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Bukky Wright, Madam Saje, Mr Latin and others, gathered to pray for his recovery.

Despite the efforts and widespread prayers, Ogogo died on Sunday.

### A major figure in Yoruba cinema

Taiwo Hassan was one of the most recognisable figures in the Nigerian Yoruba film industry.

Born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, he began his acting career in the early 1980s and went on to establish himself as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter.

He became widely known by his stage name, Ogogo, and built a reputation for portraying powerful and memorable characters in Yoruba-language films.

Over several decades, he appeared in numerous Nigerian productions and worked alongside some of the biggest names in the country's film industry.

His career spanned the transition from the older Yoruba travelling theatre tradition to modern Nollywood productions.

Beyond acting, Hassan also contributed to the industry as a producer and filmmaker, helping to shape the careers of younger performers.

### Tributes expected

News of Ogogo's death is expected to trigger an outpouring of tributes from actors, filmmakers, politicians and fans across Nigeria.

His death comes at a time when the Yoruba film community had rallied around him following the revelation of his illness.

For many of his colleagues and fans, the veteran actor's death marks the loss of one of the enduring figures of Yoruba cinema.

Ogogo is survived by his children and other members of his family.

Details surrounding his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.