Ogogo: Ogun government leads tributes for late Nollywood icon Taiwo Hassan
Veteran Nigerian actor, screenwriter, and director Taiwo Babatunde Hassan, known to millions as ‘Ogogo’, has died at the age of 66.
After a battle with stage-four cancer, the revered thespian took his final bow on Sunday, August 23, 2026, leaving behind a profound void in Nigeria’s creative industry.
From the garage to the silver screen
Born on October 31, 1959 in the town of Ilaro, Ogun State, Hassan was deeply rooted in his Yoruba heritage. Coming from a lineage of twins—both his father and grandfather were twins—he shared this familial trait with his own twin brother.
His early educational journey began at Christ Church School in Ilaro, before moving on to Gazikia College in Lagos. However, financial difficulties abruptly ended his secondary education. Undeterred, Hassan enrolled in a technical college, which paved the way for a 13-year career as an automobile mechanic with the water corporation.
Yet, the allure of the performing arts proved inescapable. He began his acting career in 1981 while still turning wrenches, ultimately leaving his mechanic job in 1994 to devote himself entirely to the screen.
Four decades of theatrical brilliance
For over forty years, Ogogo was a formidable presence in the Yoruba section of Nigeria’s film industry. He possessed a uniquely raspy voice and a commanding on-screen persona that made him instantly recognisable. His filmography reads like a definitive history of modern Yoruba cinema, featuring standout roles in classics such as Owo Blow (1996), Omo Ghetto (2010) and the critically acclaimed epic Aníkúlápó (2022).
Throughout his illustrious career, he transitioned seamlessly from actor to screenwriter and producer, dedicating his craft to the preservation and projection of Yoruba culture.
A painful farewell
The actor’s final weeks were marked by a valiant fight against illness. Three weeks prior to his passing, his daughters, Kira and Haleemah, publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis, appealing to Nigerians for support in exploring treatment options. Tragically, just five days after the family had to publicly dispel premature rumours of his death, Kira announced his passing during a heartbreaking, tearful Instagram Live session.
“Help me call my sister, my family, my daddy is dead. I want to go home. I can’t believe this. I want to go and see my daddy before he gets buried,” she said.
An indelible legacy
The news of Ogogo’s death triggered an immediate outpouring of grief from colleagues, politicians, and fans alike. Veteran actor Saidi Balogun described the loss as deeply painful, offering prayers for his departed friend. Political figures praised Hassan’s extraordinary talent, noting his enduring contribution to the nation’s film industry.
The Ogun State Government issued a condolence message, celebrating their native son as a shining light. They hailed his humility, candour, and unyielding commitment to elevating Nigerian culture globally.
“His death is a monumental loss to Ogun State, Nigeria’s creative industry and the entire nation,” Governor Dapo Abiodun’s, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, wrote in a tribute.
“He was not merely an accomplished actor; he was a shining light whose remarkable talent, discipline and enduring commitment helped to elevate Nigerian culture and project the richness of Yoruba heritage to audiences at home and across the world.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Taiwo Hassan distinguished himself by his exceptional artistry, humility, candour, dignity and respect for others. He carried himself with uncommon grace and professionalism, earning the admiration of colleagues, fans and generations of Nigerians.
“As an Ilaro-born son of Ogun State, Ogogo remained a proud ambassador of his roots. Through his work in theatre, film and television, he contributed immensely to the preservation, promotion and propagation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, particularly the Yoruba language, traditions and values.
“His passing has therefore created a painful void that will be deeply felt—not only by his immediate family and the people of Ilaro and Ogun State, but also by the Nigerian artistic community, his countless admirers and the millions of people who encountered his work and were inspired by his talent.
“On behalf of the Ogun State Government and the good people of the state, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues in the creative industry, the people of Ilaro and his numerous fans across Nigeria and beyond.
“At this moment of grief, we celebrate the remarkable life he lived, the memories he created and the indelible legacy he leaves behind.
“Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo, was a shining light. His voice may have fallen silent, but his works, values and contributions to our cultural heritage will continue to speak for generations.
“He will be sorely missed.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family and all who mourn him the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he wrote.
Though his voice has fallen silent, Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan’s artistic legacy is destined to speak for generations to come.