One of the most iconic figures in Yoruba-language cinema and a beloved veteran of Nigeria’s world-famous Nollywood industry, Taiwo Hassan — universally known by his stage name Ogogo — has passed away at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer.
The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Hassan, during a heartbreaking live broadcast on Instagram Sunday. Visibly emotional, Hassan shared that her family was still struggling to process the loss of their patriarch.
Fellow Nollywood veteran Prince Jide Kosoko later shared details of Ogogo’s funeral arrangements, confirming that the actor will be laid to rest on Monday in his hometown in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria, in accordance with Islamic burial customs that require interment shortly after death.
Before rising to household-name status across Nigeria and beyond, Ogogo built an entirely different career working as a mechanic for 13 years at the Ogun State Water Corporation. He first began balancing his day job with acting roles in 1981, gradually building his reputation as a talented performer on screen. It was not until 1994 that he made the leap to full-time acting, devoting himself entirely to the craft he had grown to love.
Over his decades-long career, Ogogo collected numerous industry awards and earned widespread critical acclaim for his standout performances. One of his most celebrated roles came in the hit film *Anikulapo*, where he portrayed the Alaafin of Oyo — the historically most powerful and revered monarch in Yorubaland — a role that cemented his status as one of Yoruba cinema’s most skilled and recognizable stars.
In the wake of his passing, current and former colleagues, as well as generations of fans, have flooded social media with tributes honoring Ogogo’s legacy, his contributions to Nigerian film, and the warm personality that made him a favorite across audiences. Additional reporting for this story was completed by BBC News Yoruba.