Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer, days after his family appealed for urgent medical assistance for the actor.
Hassan’s death was announced on Sunday by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, on Instagram Live session. The development came days after the actor’s daughters, Lima and Kira, disclosed that their father was suffering from advanced cancer and needed specialised treatment.
His daughters had publicly appealed for urgent intervention in an effort to secure appropriate treatment for the veteran actor.
The family had also earlier denied reports of Hassan’s death on August 18, describing the reports as false at the time. However, five days later, Kira announced his death during the Instagram Live session.
Hassan’s illness had generated considerable concern within the Yoruba film industry, with colleagues, friends and other well-wishers rallying around the family during his health battle. More than 500 offers of medical, spiritual, and other forms of assistance were reportedly received as efforts continued to support the actor.
Several prominent Yoruba actors and filmmakers also gathered in Lagos on Friday to pray for Hassan as he battled the disease. The gathering reflected the support that had emerged around the veteran actor as his health condition became a source of public concern.
Hassan was one of the recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema and had built a career spanning several decades. During his time in the Nigerian film industry, he featured in numerous films and became widely known by his stage name, Ogogo.
