The curtains have fallen on one of Yoruba cinema’s biggest icons, veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, aka Ogogo, who died at 66.

His daughter Kira confirmed the loss to fans during a live Instagram session on Sunday, ending days of anxiety after the family went public about his health battle.

Ogogo was a respected figure in the Yoruba film industry. His career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as an actor, producer, director, and screenwriter.

Here are 10 things to know about the late entertainer:

1. His name is Taiwo Hassan

Taiwo Hassan is popularly known by his stage name Ogogo. He became a household name through his performances in Yoruba-language films and his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

2. He was born in Ilaro, Ogun State

Ogogo was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, on October 31, 1959, according to biographical records.

3. He started his acting career in 1981

Hassan began his acting journey in 1981 while also working outside the entertainment industry. He later devoted himself fully to acting.

4. He once worked as an automobile mechanic

Before becoming a full-time actor, Ogogo worked as an automobile mechanic and later with a water corporation. His early working life was therefore quite different from his eventual career in Nollywood.

5. He became a filmmaker

Ogogo was not only an actor. He also worked as a producer, director, and screenwriter, giving him a wider role in the production of Nigerian films.

6. He featured in several notable movies

Throughout his career, Ogogo appeared in numerous Nigerian films, including Omo Ghetto, Tenant of the House, Amerah, Bank Alert and Aníkúlápó.

7. He played a major role in Aníkúlápó

Ogogo featured in Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 epic film Aníkúlápó, where he played Alaafin Ademuyiwa. The film was released on Netflix and became one of his notable appearances in recent years.

8. He was a veteran of Yoruba cinema

For decades, Ogogo remained closely associated with the Yoruba section of Nollywood. His career helped cement his reputation as one of the recognisable faces of Yoruba-language cinema.

9. His family recently disclosed his health battle

Before reports of his death emerged, his daughters, including Kira and Lima, had publicly appealed for medical assistance, revealing that the actor was battling stage four cancer. The family had also previously denied a false report of his death on August 18, 2026.

10. His death was announced by his daughter

On Sunday, August 23, 2026, reports emerged that Ogogo had died. His daughter, Kira, announced the news during an Instagram Live session.

Ogogo’s death marks the loss of a veteran whose career stretched across generations of Nigerian cinema.

His contributions as an actor, filmmaker, and storyteller have made him a notable figure in Yoruba Nollywood. (The Nation)

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