RismadarVoice Reporters
August 24, 2026
Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, politicians, fans and the Ogun State Government.
Hassan reportedly died at about 3pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after battling stage-four cancer. His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, where a lying-in-state ceremony is scheduled for Monday, August 24.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko announced the burial arrangements, stating that the ceremony would hold at the Pavilion in Ilaro from 11am.
The Ogun State Government described Ogogo as a “shining light” whose talent and professionalism helped promote Yoruba culture and Nigerian entertainment.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the actor distinguished himself through his artistry, humility, dignity and respect for others.
The APC governorship candidate in Ogun State and senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, also mourned the actor, describing his death as a monumental loss to the creative industry, Ogun State and Nigeria.
Adeola said Ogogo had supported his political cause and promised continued support for the late actor’s immediate family.
Actors across the Yoruba film industry expressed grief over Ogogo’s death.
Odunlade Adekola described him as a great star and legend, while Femi Adebayo praised the veteran for leaving behind a legacy that would endure for generations.
Saidi Balogun prayed for his late colleague’s soul, while Bolanle Ninalowo thanked Ogogo for paving the way for younger actors.
Ogogo’s death came just days after his daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, publicly appealed for urgent medical assistance after revealing that their father had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer.
Their appeals generated a massive response from Nigerians, with actors, politicians, medical professionals, religious figures and fans offering assistance.
The seriousness of Ogogo’s condition became public on August 17, when his daughters separately sought help from medical specialists and facilities capable of treating their father.
Kira disclosed that Ogogo had stage-four cancer and that the hospital treating him could no longer administer chemotherapy.
The family stressed that they were seeking medical intervention rather than financial donations.
Jide Kosoko later disclosed that hundreds of people contacted the family with offers of medical, spiritual and other forms of assistance. However, the actor’s deteriorating condition made it difficult to move him from the hospital.
Members of the Yoruba film community, including Kosoko, Fausat Balogun, Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Salami, Mr Latin, Adewale Elesho and Antar Laniyan, were also seen praying for Ogogo.
While efforts were being made to save him, Ogogo’s daughter, Kira, alleged that some individuals attempted to profit from the family’s distress.
She claimed some people demanded amounts ranging from N800,000 to N5 million to $11,000 to $ 18,000, despite the family’s insistence that they were seeking credible medical assistance rather than donations.
A doctor and content creator, Olusina Ajidahun, popularly known as The Bearded Dr Sina, explained that patients with advanced cancer may be moved to palliative care when disease-directed treatments are no longer considered appropriate.
He also cautioned against relying on unverified herbal remedies for advanced cancer.
Born in Ilaro, Ogun State, Ogogo began his working life outside entertainment. He reportedly trained in automobile engineering and worked with the Lagos State Water Corporation for about 13 years before leaving to pursue acting.
His acting career began in travelling theatre during the 1980s. His skill in oriki and chanting earned him the nickname “Ogogo”.
He later became associated with the Odunfa Caucus, a group that played an influential role in the development of Yoruba cinema.
His screen career included films such as The Wicked Boy, Elewon, The Merciful God, Delicate Cane, Tears of Joy, Idajo Olorun, Legal Wife, Eleran Igbe, Ore Ijiji, Iya Ibeji and Ojo Ogbo.
However, his performance in Tade Ogidan’s Owo Blow established him as a household name and earned him the Best Actor award at THEMA ’97.
Across more than four decades, Ogogo featured in more than 300 films, becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba-language cinema.
Ogogo had previously battled serious health problems, including a chronic ulcer which he said lasted for about seven years.
He recalled vomiting blood for months and surviving for extended periods on pap because he could not tolerate other food. His severe weight loss at the time also generated false rumours about his health, including claims that he had HIV/AIDS or had swallowed cocaine.
He denied the allegations and attributed his condition to ulcer-related complications. He also disclosed undergoing surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.
Ogogo shared a long friendship with fellow veteran Yinka Quadri, dating back to the 1980s.
The two were part of the generation of actors who helped establish modern Yoruba cinema. Although their relationship later suffered a prolonged disagreement, they reconciled publicly in 2024.
When Ogogo became seriously ill this month, Quadri again rallied around him and helped coordinate assistance.
Ogogo’s death marks the loss of one of the major figures who helped connect Nigeria’s travelling-theatre tradition with modern Yoruba film.
From automobile engineering and stage performance to producing, filmmaking and award-winning acting, Taiwo Hassan built a career spanning more than four decades.
He leaves behind a substantial body of work and an enduring influence on Yoruba cinema and Nigerian popular culture.
