Veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies at 66, Burial Details Released

ILARO, Ogun State | August 23, 2026

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66.

Hassan died at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, according to a death announcement made by veteran actor Jide Kosoko, a close associate and colleague of the deceased.

The announcement came days after Ogogo’s family and colleagues had raised concerns about his health and appealed for medical assistance as he battled an advanced illness.

Burial arrangements released

The late actor will be buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, August 24, 2026.

According to the burial announcement released by Jide Kosoko, Ogogo’s remains were to be taken to Ilaro on Sunday ahead of the funeral proceedings.

A laying-in-state ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Pavilion, Ilaro, Ogun State.

A separate announcement from the Ilaro Muslim Community, shared by Best of Nollywood founder Seun Oloketuyi, stated that the burial prayer will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground.

The prayer will be led by the Chief Imam of Ilaro.

Burial schedule

Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Burial prayer: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground, Ilaro
Laying-in-state: 11:00 a.m.
Venue: Pavilion, Ilaro, Ogun State

The announcements also called on family members, friends, colleagues and fans to pray for the peaceful repose of the veteran actor and for strength for his family during the difficult period.

Ogogo’s final days

The actor’s death followed a difficult period in which he was reportedly battling stage-four cancer.

His daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had recently appealed for assistance as the family sought medical support for their father. Reports about his condition generated widespread concern among colleagues, fans and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond.

The development had attracted significant attention within the Yoruba film community, with fellow actors and filmmakers organising prayers and rallying support for the veteran.

A career spanning decades

Taiwo Hassan was born in Ilaro, Ogun State, and became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language cinema.

He began his acting career in 1981 and eventually left his work at the water corporation to concentrate fully on acting. His career would span more than four decades, during which he established himself as an actor, producer, director and screenwriter.

Ogogo featured in numerous Nigerian films and became particularly respected for his commanding screen presence and his contribution to Yoruba theatre and cinema.

Among the productions associated with his career are Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto, Elewon, Tenant of the House, Aníkúlápó and Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, among others.

His performance as the Alaafin in Aníkúlápó further introduced his work to a new generation of viewers and audiences beyond traditional Yoruba cinema.

Tributes pour in

News of Ogogo’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nollywood, particularly among members of the Yoruba film industry.

Colleagues have described him as a veteran whose contribution to Nigerian entertainment stretched far beyond acting. His death represents another significant loss for an industry that has lost several of its established stars over the years.

For generations of Nigerian movie lovers, Ogogo was more than an actor. He was one of the familiar faces who helped shape the Yoruba movie industry and preserve the place of indigenous language, culture and storytelling within Nigerian cinema.

As his remains return to Ilaro, the community where he was born, family members, colleagues, friends and admirers are expected to gather to pay their final respects.

Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, leaves behind a legacy that spans theatre, television and film.

May his soul rest in perfect peace. Ameen.