Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling cancer for an extended period.
The actor’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, who announced the news in an emotional live video, repeatedly saying, “My daddy is dead.”
The confirmation came five days after the family had dismissed earlier reports of his death as false.
Hassan’s death marked the end of a career that spanned more than four decades and saw him move from theatre and stage productions to the Yoruba home-video industry and, later, major streaming projects.
Here are 15 things compiled by WITHIN NIGERIA to know about the late actor and filmmaker.
1. He was born in Ogun State
Taiwo Hassan was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State, where he spent his early years before moving to Lagos.
2. Ogogo became his most recognised name
Although Taiwo Hassan was his given name, Ogogo became the identity by which he was widely recognised, particularly among audiences of Yoruba-language films.
3. He trained as an automobile mechanic
Before pursuing acting professionally, Hassan trained and worked as an automobile mechanic while also developing his interest in performance.
4. He began his acting career in 1981
Hassan entered the acting profession in 1981 and gained experience through practical theatre work before becoming an established figure in the Yoruba film industry.
5. He worked for the Lagos State Water Corporation
For about 13 years, Hassan worked at the Lagos State Water Corporation while simultaneously developing his acting career.
6. He left his government job in 1994
Hassan eventually resigned from the water corporation in 1994 to concentrate fully on acting, a period that coincided with the growing popularity of Nigeria’s home-video industry.
7. He worked behind the camera
Ogogo’s contribution to the industry extended beyond acting, as he also worked as a producer, director and screenwriter.
8. He featured in several notable films
Some of his better-known productions include Owo Blow, Agbelebu, Omo Ghetto, Omin, Tenant of the House, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.
9. His early film credits included writing and producing
During the 1990s, Hassan combined acting with filmmaking responsibilities, contributing to productions such as Agbelebu, Dr Brown, Ekun-Ayo (Tears of Joy) and Owo Blow Parts 2 and 3.
10. He portrayed diverse characters
Throughout his career, Hassan took on roles ranging from traditional and authoritative figures to dramatic characters, including Adesina in Omin, Yomi in Elewon, a D.P.O. in Omo Ghetto and Hon. Kasali in Tenant of the House.
11. He remained active in recent productions
His later credits included IGE – The Unlikely Oil Merchant, in which he played Olalere, and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, where he reprised his role as Alaafin Ademuyiwa.
12. ‘Aníkúlápó’ introduced him to a wider generation
Hassan’s portrayal of Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 Netflix film Aníkúlápó exposed his work to a younger and wider international audience.
13. The role earned him an award nomination
His performance in Aníkúlápó earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, while the film itself received several nominations.
14. He spoke about his family and fatherhood
Hassan once disclosed that his mother gave birth to four sets of twins and that he was her only surviving child, while he also spoke publicly about the importance of fathers taking responsibility for their children.
15. His final illness drew support from colleagues
In the days preceding his death, his daughters, Kira and Haleemah, revealed that he was battling stage-four cancer and sought medical assistance, while colleagues in Nollywood organised a special prayer session as his condition deteriorated.
From his early days in theatre and the Yoruba home-video era to his appearances in contemporary streaming productions, Ogogo left behind a career that crossed generations and encompassed acting, writing, directing and producing.
