Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66.
The actor reportedly died on Sunday after battling cancer, days after his daughters disclosed his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis and appealed for support as the family sought treatment options.
An emotional video circulating on social media showed his daughter, Kira Taiwo, in tears as she announced her father’s death, repeatedly saying, “My daddy is dead.”
Before his death, the actor reportedly received hundreds of offers of medical, spiritual and other forms of assistance from Nigerians, colleagues and well-wishers.
His close friend and colleague, Yinka Quadri, had said more than 300 people, and possibly over 500, reached out to the family with offers of help. In a statement shared on Instagram, Quadri explained that the volume of offers had become difficult for the family to manage, particularly as they tried to determine which interventions could be pursued without interfering with Ogogo’s medical treatment.
Ogogo also received support from Ogun State governorship aspirant Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Senator Yayi, who reportedly helped facilitate efforts to secure specialist medical care for the actor.
Actress Toyosi Adesanya had earlier disclosed that Adeola personally contacted cancer specialists to assist Ogogo and that the actor had been admitted for treatment.
However, shortly before his death was announced, Kira raised concerns over some people allegedly attempting to profit from her father’s illness. During an emotional TikTok live session on Saturday, she reportedly accused some individuals offering assistance of making financial demands while the family was dealing with the actor’s condition.
Ogogo was one of the prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, building a career that spanned several decades and earning recognition for his contribution to Nollywood.
His death comes as a major loss to the Yoruba movie industry and the wider Nigerian entertainment community
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Source: Kira Taiwo / Family statements.
