Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after battling cancer.
His death was confirmed on Sunday by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional live video in which she broke down while announcing her father’s passing. Multiple Nigerian media outlets have since reported the development.
Ogogo’s death comes just days after his family publicly disclosed the severity of his health condition and appealed for urgent medical assistance.
His daughters, Kira and Lima Taiwo, had separately appealed to medical professionals, hospitals and well-wishers to help the family find appropriate treatment for their father, who was battling advanced cancer.
The family’s appeals generated widespread concern among fans, colleagues and other stakeholders in the Yoruba film industry, with prominent actors and filmmakers recently gathering in Lagos to pray for the veteran actor.
Earlier reports surrounding his treatment had also generated controversy, with his daughters saying some hospitals could no longer continue certain aspects of his treatment. Medical commentary subsequently noted that patients with advanced cancer may sometimes be moved from aggressive treatment to palliative care when further disease-directed treatment is no longer considered appropriate.
Ogogo's passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues, fans and admirers mourning an actor whose career spanned several decades.
He was particularly celebrated for his contributions to Yoruba-language Nollywood, where he became one of the industry's recognisable faces through numerous film roles and his work as a filmmaker.
Further details about his death and funeral arrangements are expected from his family.
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