Nigerian film star Ogogo dies from cancer aged 66

What the report says

Nigerian film industry figure Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after battling cancer, according to BBC Africa. The veteran actor was one of the best-known faces in Yoruba-language cinema and a familiar name in Nollywood more broadly.

BBC Africa reported that Hassan’s daughter, Kira Hassan, confirmed the death in an Instagram live broadcast. A fellow actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, said he was expected to be buried on Monday in his hometown in Ogun state, in south-west Nigeria, following Muslim tradition. The report said colleagues and fans have been sharing tributes since the news broke.

Before becoming a full-time actor, Hassan worked as a mechanic for about 13 years at the Ogun State Water Corporation. He began appearing in films in 1981 and later moved into acting full time in 1994. Over the course of his career, he won several awards and received praise for roles including his performance in Anikulapo.

His death has prompted messages from other Nigerian entertainers and political figures, reflecting his long reach in film and popular culture. BBC Africa’s report places his career in the wider growth of Yoruba cinema, where he became regarded as a major and influential performer.