Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after battling stage four cancer.
Hassan reportedly died on Sunday after his health deteriorated in recent weeks.
The development was confirmed through reports from people close to the actor, while a video circulating online showed one of his daughters, Kira Taiwo, visibly distressed as she struggled to come to terms with his death.
“I need to call my sisters. I need to call my family,” she was heard saying while crying during an Instagram Live session.
The reported death was also announced by Sebilu Nnajat TV, a platform owned by Islamic cleric Sheikh Al-Fulanny, which shared an emotional tribute to the actor.
“Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. At last, Ogogo is gone. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” the platform wrote.
The development comes days after Hassan’s family and management disclosed that he was battling stage four cancer and appealed for urgent medical intervention.
His family had said it was seeking access to appropriate medical care rather than financial donations.
In an earlier video appeal, the actor’s daughter said the family only became aware of the severity of his condition about three weeks earlier and was searching for a hospital or medical professional capable of providing the required treatment.
The appeal attracted an overwhelming response, with the actor’s management team later revealing that more than 500 people had offered to assist with his treatment.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who spoke on behalf of the management team, said the large number of offers created logistical challenges because Hassan was already receiving treatment in a hospital.
“We have received offers from more than 300, and even over 500 people, each sincerely believing that they have something that could help him,” Kosoko said.
He explained that moving Hassan from the hospital to different locations at that stage of his treatment was difficult.
“It is extremely difficult to move him from the hospital to different locations at this stage of his treatment, especially considering the large number of people who have offered to help,” he said.
Kosoko had also appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for the actor, expressing hope that he would recover.
“Please, continue to pray with us. We believe strongly that, with your prayers, our prayers, and the mercy of Almighty God, Taye will come out of this situation successfully. There is nothing impossible before Almighty God,” he said.
Hassan’s management team had expressed appreciation to fans, colleagues and well-wishers in Nigeria and abroad for their support during his illness.
News of his reported death has since triggered an outpouring of grief among fans and colleagues on social media.
Hassan was one of the prominent figures in Nigeria’s Yoruba-language film industry, with a career spanning several decades as an actor, filmmaker and director.
He began his acting career in the 1980s and gained widespread recognition for his performances in Yoruba-language productions, including the popular film Owo Blow.
He remained a major figure in the Nigerian movie industry and was widely recognised for his distinctive performances in Yoruba films and television productions.