Veteran Yoruba Actor Dies At 66 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer

It is a Black Sunday for Nollywood as veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died.

According to reports, Hassan passed away on 23 August 2026 at the age of 66, after battling cancer. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an Instagram Live session on the same day.

Ogogo had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer. Earlier in August 2026, his daughters Kira and Lima Taiwo made emotional appeals on Instagram, saying hospitals had stopped chemotherapy and were refusing to treat him. 

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They insisted they were not asking for money, but for medical intervention and direction to save their father. 

The family’s cry for help sparked nationwide prayers, with Nollywood veterans like Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Fausat Balogun, Antar Laniyan, and others holding a special prayer session for him in Ikeja, Lagos. 

Senator Solomon Adeola "Yayi" was also said to have stepped in to help foot the actor’s medical bills.

Five days before his passing, the family had debunked viral reports claiming he had died.

Taiwo Hassan was one of the most recognizable faces in Yoruba cinema with a career spanning over four decades. He featured in 300+ films and built a reputation as an industry icon.

News of his passing has thrown the Yoruba movie industry and fans across Nigeria into mourning. Many described him as a legend who gave his life to Nollywood and represented strength, discipline, and authenticity on screen.