Entertainment

Nigerian actor Taiwo Hassan dies from cancer at 66

The veteran Yoruba cinema star, widely known as Ogogo, died after a battle with cancer, according to family and colleagues.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 22:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Nigerian Yoruba cinema actor Taiwo Hassan, known professionally as Ogogo, died from cancer at age 66.
His daughter, Kira Hassan, confirmed his passing during an Instagram live broadcast on Sunday.
Colleagues and political figures paid tribute to Hassan, who transitioned from working as a mechanic to full-time acting in 1994.
He is scheduled to be buried in his hometown in Ogun state, Nigeria, in accordance with Muslim tradition.

Veteran Nigerian actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo, died from cancer at age 66.[BBC News]
His daughter, Kira Hassan, announced his death in an Instagram live broadcast on Sunday.[BBC News]
Actor Prince Jide Kosoko stated that Hassan is scheduled to be buried on Monday in his hometown in Ogun state, south-west Nigeria, following Muslim traditions.[BBC News]
Hassan worked as a mechanic for roughly 13 years at the Ogun State Water Corporation before pursuing acting full-time in 1994.[BBC News]
His professional name, Ogogo, was derived from a family praise name rather than a film character.[BBC News]