Veteran Yoruba Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66 after Battling Cancer, to be Buried on Monday.

The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, after a battle with cancer.

The esteemed Yoruba star died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, bringing an end to a remarkable career spanning more than four decades.

His daughter, Kira Taiwo, shared the heartbreaking news during an emotional social media broadcast on Sunday, a few days after the family publicly revealed that he was battling stage-four cancer.

This loss hits particularly hard for fans because it came just days after Ogogo’s daughters made an emotional appeal for urgent medical help for their father.

The family clarified that they weren’t asking for donations but were seeking access to cancer specialists, hospitals, and medical professionals who could examine his condition and explore possible treatment options.

Their appeal sparked an outpouring of support throughout Nollywood, with colleagues including actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo calling on medical professionals and Nigerians with connections to step in and assist.

Just five days before his passing, the family had to dispel a false social media report claiming Ogogo had died. His daughter Lima Taiwo strongly dismissed that report as false and urged people to stop spreading misinformation. Tragically, the family confirmed his actual passing on Sunday.

Born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, Taiwo Hassan rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognizable and respected figures in Yoruba-language cinema.

Before fame found him, Ogogo worked as an automobile mechanic. However, his passion for acting eventually took over, and he started his acting career in the early 1980s.

Over the years, his distinctive voice, commanding presence on screen, and ability to portray a wide range of characters—from strict fathers and traditional rulers to courageous community leaders—made him a household name.

His role in the Yoruba movie “Owo Blow” helped cement his status among the top actors of his generation.

Ogogo was part of a golden generation of Yoruba stars whose work helped transform the industry from traveling theatre and home videos into a vital part of modern Nollywood.

For millions of movie lovers, especially Yoruba audiences in Nigeria and abroad, Ogogo was more than just an actor. His face became part of the memories of generations who grew up watching Yoruba films.

Following his death, veteran actor Jide Kosoko announced that Ogogo’s remains would be taken to his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, with a lying-in-state ceremony scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026.

Burial prayers are also expected to take place in Ilaro as family members, colleagues, friends, and admirers gather to pay their last respects to the screen legend.

His passing leaves a huge void in the Yoruba film industry, but the characters he portrayed, the movies he starred in, and the memories he created will keep Ogogo’s legacy alive.

From the early days of home videos to the flourishing era of Nollywood, Taiwo Hassan remained a fixture in the industry.

The curtain may have fallen, but his legend lives on.

Shybellmedia sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and millions of fans of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo.

May his soul rest in peace.