A veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has reportedly died at the age of 66 after battling stage four cancer.
Hassan, a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry, reportedly died on Sunday following a deterioration in his health in recent weeks.
News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with family members, colleagues and fans mourning the veteran actor.
In a video circulating online, one of his daughters, Kira Taiwo, was seen in tears as she struggled to process the development.
“I need to call my sisters. I need to call my family,” she was heard saying during an Instagram Live session.
The report of Hassan’s death was also announced by Sebilu Nnajat TV, a platform owned by Islamic cleric Sheikh Al-Fulanny, which has close links with Muslim celebrities in South-West Nigeria.
The platform shared a condolence message that read, “Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. At last, Ogogo is gone. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
This development came only days after Hassan’s family and management disclosed that he was battling stage four cancer and appealed for urgent medical intervention.
The family had clarified that its priority was to secure appropriate medical care for the actor rather than solicit financial donations.
In an earlier emotional appeal, Hassan’s daughter said the family only became aware of the seriousness of his condition about three weeks before the appeal.
She explained that the family was searching for a hospital or medical expert capable of providing the treatment he urgently needed, amid difficulties in securing suitable care.
The appeal subsequently generated significant interest, with hundreds of people reportedly offering to assist with Hassan’s treatment.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who spoke on behalf of the management team, said more than 300 and possibly over 500 people had offered assistance.
According to Kosoko, however, the offers created a logistical challenge because Hassan was already receiving treatment in a hospital.
He said moving the ailing actor from one location to another at that stage of his treatment could pose serious difficulties, particularly given the number of people willing to intervene.
Kosoko had also urged Nigerians to continue praying for Hassan, expressing optimism that he would overcome the health crisis.
“We believe strongly that, with your prayers, our prayers, and the mercy of Almighty God, Taye will come out of this situation successfully,” he had said.
The actor’s management had subsequently expressed appreciation to fans, colleagues and well-wishers in Nigeria and abroad for their concern and support.
Hassan’s reported death marks a major loss to the Yoruba movie industry, where he had established himself as one of its most recognisable performers.
Born in 1960, the actor began his career in the 1980s and built a reputation through his performances in Yoruba-language films and television productions.
He gained widespread recognition for his roles in productions including the popular film Owo Blow and went on to establish himself as an actor, filmmaker and director.
Across several decades, Ogogo remained a prominent presence in Nollywood, earning a reputation for his distinctive acting style and memorable portrayals in Yoruba-language productions.
