Veteran Nollywood actor, producer and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66.
Hassan reportedly died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a prolonged battle with cancer. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death in an emotional video, saying, “My daddy is dead.”
The confirmation came days after the actor’s family had dismissed earlier reports of his death as false.
Here are 15 facts about the life and career of the late Yoruba film icon:
1. He was born in Ogun State
Taiwo Hassan was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State. He later moved to Lagos, where he pursued his education, learnt a trade and eventually established himself in the entertainment industry.
2. ‘Ogogo’ became his household name
Although his birth name was Taiwo Hassan, the actor became widely recognised as Ogogo. The name became strongly associated with his performances in Yoruba-language films and traditional dramas.
3. He was trained as an automobile mechanic
Before becoming a full-time actor, Hassan trained and worked as a mechanic. He also spent about 13 years working with the Lagos State Water Corporation while pursuing acting.
4. He started acting in 1981
Hassan began his acting career in 1981 while still working as a mechanic. Through practical theatre experience, he developed his craft and became one of the prominent figures in Yoruba cinema.
5. He resigned from government service in 1994
After combining his government employment with acting for several years, Hassan left the Lagos State Water Corporation in 1994 to concentrate on his entertainment career.
6. He was a filmmaker beyond acting
Ogogo was not only an actor. He also worked as a producer, director and screenwriter, contributing to productions that explored Yoruba culture, family relationships, leadership and social issues.
7. He appeared in numerous popular films
Some of the productions associated with him include Owo Blow, Agbelebu, Omo Ghetto, Omin, Tenant of the House, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.
8. He also worked behind the camera
His early film credits included Agbelebu and Dr Brown in 1995, as well as Ekun-Ayo (Tears of Joy) in 1996, where he also contributed as a writer and producer.
9. He was known for authoritative roles
Throughout his career, Hassan played a wide range of characters, including police and political figures. His roles included Adesina in Omin, Yomi in Elewon, a D.P.O. in Omo Ghetto and Hon. Kasali in Tenant of the House.
10. He remained active in recent productions
Even in the later years of his career, Hassan continued appearing in films. His later credits included IGE – The Unlikely Oil Merchant and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre.
11. His role in ‘Aníkúlápó’ reached a younger audience
Hassan played Alaafin Ademuyiwa in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 Netflix film Aníkúlápó. The production introduced his work to many younger viewers and attracted significant attention.
12. He received an AMVCA nomination
His performance in Aníkúlápó earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
13. His mother reportedly had four sets of twins
Hassan had previously revealed that his mother gave birth to four sets of twins and that he was the only surviving child.
14. His final days generated widespread concern
In the days leading to his death, his daughters, Kira and Haleemah, disclosed that the actor was battling stage-four cancer. They appealed for medical assistance rather than financial donations, while colleagues in the film industry organised prayers for him.
15. His career crossed several generations
From the early days of Nigerian home videos to the era of streaming platforms, Ogogo maintained a career spanning more than four decades. His performances in traditional, family and socially themed productions established him as a significant figure in Yoruba cinema.
His death has left colleagues, fans and members of the Yoruba film industry mourning the loss of a veteran whose career influenced generations of Nigerian actors.
As his daughter said while confirming the news, “My daddy is dead.”
