Veteran Nigerian actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66, bringing to an end a career that spanned decades and established him as one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema.
His daughter, Kira, confirmed his death during an Instagram Live session on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following days of public concern over the actor’s health.
Here are 10 things to know about the late entertainer:
Taiwo Hassan was widely known by his stage name, Ogogo. He became a prominent figure in Yoruba-language films through his acting, filmmaking and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Hassan was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, on October 31, 1959, according to biographical records cited in reports about his life and career.
Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while still pursuing other forms of employment. He eventually devoted himself fully to acting and filmmaking.
Before becoming a household name in the Nigerian film industry, Hassan worked as an automobile mechanic and later with a water corporation.
His early career was therefore largely outside the entertainment industry before he eventually established himself as a professional actor and filmmaker.
Ogogo was more than an actor. Over the course of his career, he also worked as a producer, director and screenwriter, contributing to several stages of film production.
Throughout his career, Ogogo appeared in numerous Nigerian productions, including Omo Ghetto, Tenant of the House, Amerah, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.
Ogogo played Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 epic film Aníkúlápó.
The movie was released on Netflix and became one of the veteran actor’s notable appearances during the later period of his career.
Ogogo remained closely associated with Yoruba-language cinema throughout his career.
His decades of work made him one of the recognisable faces of the Yoruba branch of Nollywood, with his career spanning several generations of Nigerian filmmakers and audiences.
Before his death, members of Ogogo’s family, including his daughters Kira and Lima, publicly appealed for medical assistance after revealing that the actor was battling stage-four cancer.
The family had also dismissed a report announcing his death on August 18, 2026, before his eventual death was confirmed five days later.
News of Ogogo’s death emerged on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with his daughter, Kira, confirming the development during an Instagram Live session.
His death marks the loss of one of the veteran figures whose work helped shape and popularise Yoruba-language cinema in Nigeria.
