Veteran Nollywood Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died after battling cancer.
The actor died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His death was announced by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional Instagram Live session. Multiple Nigerian media outlets have since reported his death.
His passing came just days after his family disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and appealed to Nigerians, medical professionals and well-wishers for help in securing treatment.
Here are 11 things to know about the late actor:
1. He was born in Ilaro, Ogun State
Taiwo Hassan was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, to the late Subair Akande Taiwo and Alimot Ayinke Taiwo.
2. He came from a family of twins
Hassan came from a family with a history of twins. His grandfather was a twin, his father was also a twin, and he had a twin brother, Kehinde Hassan.
3. He attended Christ Church School
He began his primary education at Christ Church School in Ilaro, Ogun State.
4. He trained as an automobile mechanic
Before establishing himself as an actor, Hassan attended a technical college in Lagos, where he trained as an automobile mechanic.
5. He began acting in 1981
Hassan started his acting career in 1981, shortly after securing employment with the Lagos Water Corporation as an automobile mechanic.
6. He worked with the Lagos Water Corporation for about 13 years
The late actor spent approximately 13 years working with the Lagos Water Corporation before leaving government employment to pursue acting full-time.
7. He left government employment to concentrate on acting
In 1994, Hassan retired from government work and devoted himself fully to his acting career. He had previously developed his skills as a stage performer under the tutelage of Ademola Fagbemi.
8. He featured in numerous Yoruba films
Throughout his career, Ogogo appeared in and produced numerous Yoruba-language films, including Omin, Apaadi, Wicked Boy, Bolode O’ku, Obinrin Sowanu, Owo Blow and Atitebi, among others.
He also appeared in productions such as Aníkúlápó, where he played Alaafin Ademuyiwa.
9. He was married and had four children
Hassan was married to two wives and was blessed with four children — three daughters and a son.
10. He received a lifetime achievement award
In recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry, the veteran actor received the City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award.
11. He died after battling stage 4 cancer
Taiwo Hassan’s death came days after his family revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. His daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, had publicly appealed for medical assistance as the family sought treatment for the actor.
He died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, aged 66. His daughter, Kira, announced the tragic development in an emotional Instagram Live session, while reports said the actor had been receiving medical attention before his death.
Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, leaves behind a decades-long legacy in Yoruba-language cinema and remains remembered as one of the prominent figures of the Nigerian film industry.