Nollywood is mourning veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who has died at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.
The actor reportedly died at about 3pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, later confirmed the death in an emotional social media video, while reports said the family had disclosed days earlier that he was battling Stage 4 cancer.
Ogogo’s death came after a period in which his family sought medical support for the actor. His daughters, Kira and Haleemah, had appealed for assistance as the family explored treatment options, with hundreds of Nigerians, colleagues and well-wishers reportedly offering help.
His close friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, said more than 300 people, and possibly over 500, contacted the family with offers of medical, spiritual and other assistance. He said the volume of offers created difficulties for the family as they tried to determine which interventions could be pursued alongside Ogogo’s treatment.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, also reportedly helped efforts to secure specialist medical care for the actor. Actress Toyosi Adesanya had earlier said the politician contacted cancer specialists and helped facilitate Ogogo’s admission for treatment.
Ogogo was a major figure in the Yoruba film industry and built a career spanning several decades. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief among actors, musicians and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment community.
Actor Olatayo Amokade, popularly known as Ijebu, was among those reacting to the loss. In an emotional video on Monday, he asked people he may have offended, particularly colleagues in the movie industry, to forgive him. He also said he had forgiven those who had wronged him, reflecting on the uncertainty and brevity of life.
Ogogo is expected to be buried on Monday, August 24, in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, according to a burial announcement shared by veteran actor Jide Kosoko. His passing marks the loss of one of the familiar faces of Nigeria’s Yoruba-language cinema.
