The Nigerian film industry has lost one of its prominent Yoruba cinema figures, veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died at the age of 66.
His daughter, Kira, confirmed the death during an Instagram Live session on Sunday, bringing an end to days of concern after the family disclosed his health battle.
Ogogo was a respected figure in the Yoruba film industry, with a career spanning several decades. He worked as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter.
Here are 10 things to know about the late entertainer:
1. His name was Taiwo Hassan
Taiwo Hassan was widely known by his stage name, Ogogo. He became a household name through his performances in Yoruba-language films and his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
2. He was born in Ilaro, Ogun State
Ogogo was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, on October 31, 1959, according to biographical records.
3. He began his acting career in 1981
Hassan started his acting career in 1981 while also working outside the entertainment industry. He later devoted himself fully to acting.
4. He worked as an automobile mechanic
Before becoming a full-time actor, Ogogo worked as an automobile mechanic and later with a water corporation. His early working life was therefore different from his eventual career in Nollywood.
5. He became a filmmaker
Ogogo was involved in different aspects of filmmaking. Apart from acting, he worked as a producer, director and screenwriter.
6. He featured in several notable movies
During his career, Ogogo appeared in numerous Nigerian films, including Omo Ghetto, Tenant of the House, Amerah, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.
7. He featured in Aníkúlápó
Ogogo featured in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 epic film Aníkúlápó, where he played Alaafin Ademuyiwa. The film was released on Netflix and became one of his notable appearances in recent years.
8. He was a veteran of Yoruba cinema
For decades, Ogogo remained closely associated with the Yoruba section of Nollywood. His long career made him one of the recognisable faces of Yoruba-language cinema.
9. His family recently disclosed his health battle
Before reports of his death emerged, his daughters, including Kira and Lima, publicly appealed for medical assistance, revealing that the actor was battling stage-four cancer.
The family had also previously denied a false report of his death on August 18, 2026.
10. His daughter announced his death
Reports of Ogogo’s death emerged on Sunday, August 23, 2026. His daughter, Kira, announced the development during an Instagram Live session.
Ogogo’s death marks the loss of a veteran whose career spanned several generations of Nigerian cinema.
His contributions as an actor, filmmaker and storyteller made him a notable figure in Yoruba Nollywood.
May your soul rest in peace ☹️😢☹️