Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, widely known as “Ogogo,” is a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry whose contributions to Nollywood particularly the Yoruba film sector—are both profound and enduring. Beyond being a household name, he is a true cultural icon. Ogogo’s commanding screen presence, distinctive physique, and exceptional ability to fully embody any role have made him a beloved favorite of many.
Recently, Halima Taiwo, one of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ daughters in a video that went viral, shared heartbreaking news about her father. According to her, the veteran actor is battling stage 4 cancer in secret, and that hospitals have stopped treating him. She then pleaded with Nigerians and health professionals to come to his aid. The revelation caught many people off guard and sparked widespread sympathy. Fans, doctors, and traditional healers have since spoken up online, offering support, prayers, and suggestions for possible treatment.
This is not the first time Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has made headlines over a severe health crisis. In 2004, the veteran actor fell critically ill and lost so much weight that rumors swirled—with many falsely speculating that he had contracted HIV/AIDS or swallowed cocaine wraps. The prolonged illness forced him off the screen for 13 years.
Speaking in an interview with Oyinmomo TV and Feel Right News TV, Ogogo recounted the sudden onset of the condition. He explained that he was en route to a movie set when he experienced a sharp, radiating pain that traveled from his chest to his back.
“Within five minutes, I was in extreme discomfort,” he revealed. “I managed to reach the location with assistance, where actress Remi Surutu noticed my condition and suspected it might be an ulcer.”
He further disclosed that he went to the hospital the next day and was diagnosed with chronic ulcer which lasted for years.
“I vomited blood for 7 months and could not eat anything except pap. Any attempt to eat made me vomit blood. I got so weak and had to pray sitting down instead of standing. It was a terrible period and I thought I would die. I even threw away my Mecca teeth. I went from place to place seeking different treatments, but did not sell any of my properties, Ogogo narrated.
EARLY LIFE
Alhaji Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State. The veteran actor, who has blessed our screen for years, was born into a dynasty of twins. His father and grandfather were twins. He also has a twin brother.
EDUCATION
Alhaji Taiwo Hassan began his primary education at Christ Church School in Ilaro, Ogun State, before proceeding to Gazikia College in Lagos for his secondary education. Though financial constraints prevented him from completing his studies at Gazikia, he redirected his path toward vocational training by enrolling at the Federal Technical College in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. There, he trained in automobile engineering, specializing as a mechanic.
CAREER
Alhaji Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo was a certified automobile mechanic before he ventured into full-time acting. He started practicing as a mechanic after he was trained as a professional automobile mechanic at federal technical college, akoka, lagos. He worked as a mechanic for about 13 years at the Lagos State Water Corporation before resigning in 1994 to focus entirely on his creative career.
JOURNEY INTO ACTING?
Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, is by no means an accidental actor—nor is his place in the Yoruba film industry a mere twist of fate. His acting journey dates back to the early 1980s, when he made his stage debut as Akiigbe (an Ewi chanter) in a production at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.
Following his debut, WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Hassan formally joined the Awo Fabunmi Theatre Company, led by Awo Ademola Fagbemi. Under Fagbemi’s tutelage, he sharpened his craft while balancing a demanding dual life—serving as a Level 6 civil servant at the Lagos State Water Corporation by day and pursuing his passion for stage acting by night.
Years after departing the Awo Fabunmi Theatre Company, Ogogo teamed up with industry peers Yinka Quadri, Abbey Lanre, and Razak Ajao (Araosan) to form what would become a formidable force in the industry. The group regularly rehearsed and held meetings at Razak Ajao’s residence on Odunfa Street in Ebute Metta. Industry colleagues and visitors soon dubbed the collective the “Odunfa Caucus”—a name that stuck. The caucus went on to produce numerous classic home videos and groom a generation of prominent Yoruba actors.
How did the name “Ogogo” come up?
Alhaji Taiwo Hassan’s rise in theater began with his commanding presence as an Ewi chanter. Gifted with a distinct, resonant voice, his sheer talent and tireless work ethic quickly set him apart during early stage plays. Captivated by his raw performance skills, colleagues, theatre practitioners, and audience members began addressing him as Ogogo. As his star rose throughout the 1980s, the name grew beyond a stage moniker to become a household name across Nigeria.
ACTING CAREER?
Taiwo Hassan, fondly known as Ogogo, has built a versatile career spanning various roles—from reckless antiheroes to resolute disciplinarians. In early hit films like Elewon and Merciful God, he played the tough, desperate young man forced into crime for survival.
However, his major breakthrough came in 1996 when director Tade Ogidan cast him as the lead character, Wole Owolabi, in the iconic classic Owo Blow. His stellar performance earned him the Best Actor of the Year award at the 1997 The Movie Awards (THEMA).
With credits in over 300 films, Hassan is also an accomplished screenwriter, producer, and director behind classics like Dr. Brown (1995) and Ekun-Ayo (1996). Deeply committed to preserving Yoruba language, cultural heritage, and moral storytelling, he frequently portrays figures of authority, royalty, and integrity—a reflection of his calm and soft-spoken real-life demeanor.
In recent years, he introduced his craft to a global audience through his role as Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix blockbuster Aníkúlápó (2022) and its spin-off series Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre (2024). His commanding performance in the original movie earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
PERSONAL LIFE?
Taiwo Hassan is a practicing Muslim who has undertaken the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, earning the title of Alhaji. He is married to two wives. He’s blessed with children.
He loves boxing. In an interview, Ogogo disclosed that he practiced martial arts and boxing in his younger years, which contributed to his physical agility in movies.
ENCOUNTER WITH HOODLUMS?
In June 2022, Taiwo Hassan popularly known as “Ogogo” reportedly fought hoodlums. According to reports, the veteran actor traveled to Ilaro, his hometown on Friday, June 24, 2022 for an inspection of a project.
He was approached by some guys who asked him for money. These guys claimed that they watched his movies through their childhood. The veteran actor gave up all the cash he had on him, but one of them dragged him by his agbada and demanded an amount he couldn’t pay. When Taiwo asked him to leave him, the guy said “Do your worst”, so a fight broke out.
Taiwo said he used his boxing skills in self-defense “once a boxer, always a boxer”. The video of the brawl went viral. He later posted to explain and also appealed to fans to stop harassing actors for money.
