Yoruba Film Icon Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66 After Cancer Battle

Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, fondly known as Ogogo, has died. He was 66.

Prestige News gathered that the actor passed away on Saturday at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos, where he had been on admission for weeks. Sources close to the family said he had been battling a prolonged illness.

The news comes less than a week after his daughters made a public appeal for support, revealing that Ogogo was fighting stage-four cancer. The announcement drew widespread concern from fans and colleagues across the Nigerian film industry.

In the days before his passing, several of his longtime colleagues visited and held prayer sessions for him. Those present included Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Bukky Wright, Fausat Balogun, popularly called Madam Saje, and Bolaji Amusan, known as Mr Latin.

Born Taiwo Babatunde Hassan, Ogogo built a career spanning decades in indigenous cinema. He became one of the most recognizable faces in Yoruba movies, known for commanding screen roles and for helping to raise the profile of the genre at home and abroad.

His death leaves a wide gap in Nollywood, especially in the Yoruba sector where he was regarded as one of the pillars who mentored younger actors and shaped modern storytelling.

Tributes have begun to pour in from actors, filmmakers, fans and public figures. Family members are yet to announce burial arrangements.

Prestige News will provide updates on funeral plans and official statements as they become available.

May his soul rest in peace.