Politics
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ is dead
VETERAN Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died. He was 66.
Hassan’s daughter, Kira Taiwo, announced his death on Sunday evening during a live session on Instagram.
The actor’s death came days after his family disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer and was seeking appropriate treatment.
His daughters, Kira and Haleemah, had appealed for medical assistance after doctors diagnosed their father with cancer about three weeks earlier. They said the family was exploring treatment options, but that Hassan was not fit to travel abroad for medical care.
Hassan’s colleagues had subsequently rallied around him, seeking recommendations for cancer specialists and hospitals capable of providing specialised treatment.
Among those who appealed for assistance were Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) president Bolaji “Mr Latin” Amusan, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Bimbo Oshin, Odunlade Adekola, Mide Martins and Ibrahim Yekini.
The family clarified that it was not seeking financial assistance but medical expertise and access to appropriate treatment.
In a statement reported on Wednesday, August 19, veteran actors Jide Kosoko and Yinka Quadri also thanked Nigerians who offered to assist Hassan but explained that his condition made it difficult to move him from the hospital where he was receiving care.
They said the family had received hundreds of offers from people proposing medical, traditional and spiritual interventions but appealed to them to continue praying for the actor.
The development followed reports that several hospitals had allegedly declined to treat Hassan because of his condition. His daughters had said they were desperate to find appropriate care and could not bear the thought of losing their father.
Acting career
Hassan began his acting career in 1981 after working as a mechanic.
He later left his job with the Water Corporation in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
He became a prominent figure in Yoruba-language cinema and went on to feature in several Nollywood productions.
His film credits include Atitebi, Agbelebu, Agbo-Odaju, Danfo Driver, Amerah, Aníkúlápó, Bank Alert, IGE and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre. His most recent film appearance was in Oye Agba, where he starred alongside Olaniyan Tosin, Jaye Kuti and others.