Taiwo Hassan, Nollywood icon ‘Ogogo’, dies at 66

Taiwo Hassan, the renowned Nollywood actor popularly known as ‘Ogogo’, has passed away at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer. He died on August 23, 2026, and was subsequently buried in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State.

Hassan was a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry, recognized for his authoritative presence and mastery of Yoruba proverbs and traditional expressions. Before his acting career, he worked as a mechanic for the Ogun State Water Corporation for 13 years. His early background in Yoruba theatre included performing as an ‘Akede Oba’, a praise chanter for kings and chiefs.

In response to his passing, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, paid a condolence visit to the actor’s family in Lagos. During the visit, Musawa conveyed condolences from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian public, describing Hassan’s death as a monumental loss to the nation’s creative community.