The passing of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, has once again underscored the profound impact of cancer within Nigeria’s film industry.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional live video.
Days before his death, Kira and her sister, Haleemah, revealed that their father had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. They also appealed for financial and medical support after doctors reportedly indicated that his condition had become difficult to treat.
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Over the years, several prominent Nollywood actors have also lost their lives following battles with various forms of cancer.
Here are 10 Nollywood stars whose deaths were linked to cancer:
1. Sadiq Daba
Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on March 3, 2021, following battles with leukaemia and prostate cancer.
He received treatment in Nigeria and abroad, with well-wishers providing financial assistance during his illness.
Daba gained widespread recognition for his role in the television series Cockcrow at Dawn. He also played Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, a performance that earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
2. Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, after battling what colleagues described as leg cancer.
Her death was announced by movie producer Stanley Nwoko, who paid tribute to her contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Ikwuegbu was particularly known for portraying motherly and elderly characters in several Nollywood productions.
3. Aisha Abimbola
Yoruba actress Aisha Abimbola, popularly known as Omoge Campus, died in a Canadian hospital in May 2018 after battling breast cancer.
She became popular following her appearance in the 2001 film Omoge Campus.
Her other credits included No Pain, No Gain, Awerijaye, So Wrong So Right and Kamson and Neighbours.
4. Karibi Fubara
Actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, after battling kidney cancer.
Fubara had revealed in 2020 that doctors discovered a large, mid-stage kidney tumour. He subsequently underwent surgery, during which about 90 per cent of the tumour was reportedly removed.
He featured in productions including God Calling, Smart Money Woman, Castle and Castle and Quam’s Money.
5. Ethel Ekpe
Veteran actress Ethel Ekpe died in February 2024 after battling cancer. The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
She became a household name through her portrayal of Segi in Ken Saro-Wiwa’s popular television comedy series Basi and Company.
Ekpe also appeared in Amaka Igwe’s Forever, Sons of the Caliphate, Speak the Word and other productions.
6. Doris Chima
Veteran actress Doris Chima died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years.
Her death was confirmed by the then Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State, Emeka Rising Ibe.
Chima featured in several Nollywood productions before her illness eventually kept her away from the screen.
7. Tom Njemanze
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer.
Before his death, videos emerged showing the actor receiving treatment in hospital, while colleagues appealed for financial assistance.
Njemanze was known for his roles in films such as Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
8. Ify Onwuemene
Ifeyinwa Onwuemene, popularly known as Ify Onwuemene, died on May 25, 2021, after battling stage four endometrial cancer.
According to her colleague, Gloria Anozie-Young, the actress underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy during her treatment.
Onwuemene became popular for playing the wife of Sam Loco Efe’s character in the television series Everyday People.
9. Alexx Ekubo
Actor Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.
His family said he died at Evercare Hospital from complications related to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was known for appearances in films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
His health challenges were largely kept private until his death.
10. Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’
Veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.
Hassan enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades and established himself as one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema, while also appearing in English-language productions.
He was an actor, producer and director whose credits included Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
His death followed the revelation by his daughters that he was battling stage four cancer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed publicly.