For many Nigerians who grew up watching Yoruba movies, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was more than just an actor.
He was a familiar face whose appearance on screen often meant that something interesting was about to happen.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling stage-four cancer. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death in an emotional social media broadcast. His passing has left fans, colleagues and lovers of Yoruba cinema mourning one of the industry’s familiar faces.
But before the sad news of his death, Ogogo had spent decades building a career that made him a household name.
One of the movies that played an important role in his rise to wider recognition was Owo Blow, the 1995 film directed by Tade Ogidan.
The movie helped expose Ogogo to a wider audience and became an important point in his journey as an actor. It was also around this period that the expression “Action por bi Ogogo” became associated with his energetic and commanding screen presence.
The slang became a playful expression among fans, especially when describing someone who was acting tough, dramatic or full of energy.
That was part of what made Ogogo different.
His voice, facial expressions, body language and way of delivering his lines made his characters easy to remember. Whether he was playing a tough man, a traditional ruler, a father or a troubled character, he brought a strong presence to the role.
For many viewers, Ogogo did not appear to be simply acting. He made his characters feel real.
His career also grew alongside the Yoruba film industry, as the genre moved from theatre and early home-video productions to a much wider audience across Nigeria and beyond.
Ogogo went on to appear in numerous productions and also worked as a producer, director and screenwriter. His career stretched across generations, allowing both older and younger audiences to connect with his work.
For people who grew up watching Yoruba films, his face became part of their memories. His voice, expressions and unique style became instantly recognisable.
Now, his death marks the end of an era for an actor who spent decades entertaining Nigerians and contributing to Yoruba cinema.
From “Owo Blow” to the many roles that followed, Ogogo built a name that will not easily be forgotten.
And whenever the words “Action por bi Ogogo” are heard, they may continue to remind fans of the energetic actor who made his own style impossible to ignore.
Taiwo Hassan may have taken his final bow, but his work remains on the screens and in the memories of those who watched him.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
