The Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning the death of veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.
The celebrated Yoruba actor reportedly died at about 3:00 p.m. after battling stage four cancer. His death was announced by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional social media broadcast, while a burial announcement was later released by fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko.
Ogogo's Final Battle With Cancer
News of Taiwo Hassan's health condition became public only days before his death. On August 18, his daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, made emotional appeals for medical assistance, revealing that their father had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and that his condition deteriorated significantly.
The family appealed to medical professionals, hospitals and anyone who could provide appropriate treatment or medical guidance, stressing that they were not seeking financial donations but desperately needed qualified medical professionals. According to reports, the family had only discovered the seriousness of his condition about three weeks earlier. His daughters also said they had been told that chemotherapy could no longer be continued. The family's desperate appeal triggered an outpouring of concern across Nigeria, with several Nollywood personalities joining the call for assistance.
Nollywood Mourns a Beloved Veteran
Following his death, tributes began pouring from colleagues, public figures and fans across Nigeria.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described Ogogo as more than a gifted actor, noting his contribution to Nigerian storytelling and his ability to entertain, educate and inspire audiences. The Lagos State Government also mourned the veteran actor.
The Ogun State Government described his death as a major loss to the state's cultural heritage and Nigeria's creative industry, praising his artistry, discipline, humility and contribution to Yoruba culture.
His death also truly affected fellow entertainers. Reports emerged of Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate becoming emotional while performing after news of Ogogo's death reached him.
Ogogo to Be Buried in Ilaro
Taiwo Hassan is set to be laid to rest in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, August 24, 2026, according to the burial announcement released by Jide Kosoko.
The announcement stated that his remains would be taken to Ilaro, with a laying-in-state ceremony scheduled for Monday. The Ilaro Muslim Community also announced burial prayers in accordance with Islamic rites.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Yoruba Cinema.
For more than four decades, Taiwo Hassan used his craft to bring stories, characters and aspects of Yoruba culture to millions of Nigerians. From his early days as a mechanic to becoming one of Nollywood's most respected veterans, Ogogo's journey remains a remarkable part of Nigerian entertainment history.
As fans, colleagues and loved ones say their final goodbye, one thing is certain; Taiwo Hassan maybe gone, but the legacy of Ogogo will continue to live on through the films, characters and stories he left behind.