Veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and Yoruba cinema icon Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
The actor reportedly died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, while receiving treatment for the illness. A colleague confirmed the development to National Insight, expressing shock over the actor’s death.
His death comes just days after his daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, publicly revealed that their father was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for urgent medical assistance.
The family had initially believed that the actor was dealing with an ulcer before his condition was eventually diagnosed as stage-four cancer. His daughters said his condition had deteriorated significantly and that the hospital treating him could no longer continue with chemotherapy.
They repeatedly stressed that they were not seeking financial donations, but were looking for medical specialists, hospitals and treatment options that could help save their father.
The revelation prompted an outpouring of support from across the Nigerian entertainment industry. Veteran actors including Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Bukky Wright, Wale Elesho, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Fausat Balogun and Mr Latin gathered in Lagos for a special prayer session for Ogogo’s recovery.
His daughter Kira also spoke emotionally about the family’s ordeal, revealing that some individuals had allegedly attempted to profit from her father’s illness by demanding large sums of money while claiming to have solutions to his condition.
The actor’s reported death comes only five days after his family dismissed an earlier viral report claiming that he had died. On August 18, Lima Taiwo described that report as fake and urged the public to disregard it.
Born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, Taiwo Hassan built a career spanning more than four decades and became one of the most recognisable faces of Yoruba Nollywood.
He began acting professionally in 1981 while still working outside the entertainment industry before eventually leaving his day job in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
Over the years, Ogogo became particularly known for his commanding portrayals of warriors, chiefs, traditional rulers, fathers and other authoritative characters.
He appeared in numerous Yoruba and English-language productions, including Owo Blow, Omin, Elewon, Omo Ghetto, Aye O, Tenant of the House, Amerah, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.
His performance as Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Aníkúlápó earned him an AMVCA Best Supporting Actor nomination in 2023.
Beyond acting, Hassan also worked as a producer, director and screenwriter and was regarded as one of the important figures who helped shape the modern Yoruba film industry.
Taiwo Hassan “Ogogo” was 66.