The death of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has brought renewed attention to the growing toll of cancer on Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with the actor becoming the latest in a long list of prominent stars who have died following battles with the disease.
Hassan, who died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, was confirmed dead by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional live video. His death came days after his daughters, Kira and Haleemah, disclosed that the actor had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and appealed for financial and medical assistance for his treatment.
The veteran actor, whose career spanned more than four decades, was one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema. He was celebrated for his distinctive voice, commanding screen presence and memorable performances in films such as Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
Ogogo’s death has also brought back memories of other Nollywood stars who lost their lives after battling different forms of cancer.
Among them was veteran actor and broadcaster, Sadiq Daba, who died on March 3, 2021, following battles with leukaemia and prostate cancer. Daba was widely known for his role in Cockcrow at Dawn and his portrayal of Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, for which he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
Veteran actress, Stella Ikwuegbu, also died on June 16, 2024, after battling what colleagues described as leg cancer. She was particularly known for her roles as mothers and elderly women in numerous Nollywood productions.
Yoruba actress, Aisha Abimbola, popularly known as Omoge Campus, died in a Canadian hospital in May 2018 after battling breast cancer. She gained recognition following her appearance in the 2001 film, Omoge Campus, and featured in several other Yoruba productions.
Actor and producer, Karibi Fubara, died on December 15, 2021, following a battle with kidney cancer. He had disclosed in 2020 that doctors discovered a large kidney tumour, which was later surgically removed.
Another veteran actress, Ethel Ekpe, died in February 2024 after battling cancer, although the specific type was not publicly disclosed. She became a household name through her portrayal of Segi in the popular television comedy series, Basi and Company.
Veteran actress, Doris Chima, died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years. Her death was confirmed by the then Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State, Emeka Rising Ibe.
Similarly, veteran actor, Tom Njemanze, died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer. He was known for his roles in films including Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
Ifeyinwa Onwuemene, popularly known as Ify Onwuemene, died on May 25, 2021, after battling stage four endometrial cancer. She reportedly underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy during her treatment.
Actor Alexx Ekubo also died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40. His family said he died at Evercare Hospital from complications related to advanced metastatic kidney cancer. He was known for his appearances in films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
Ogogo’s death therefore adds another prominent name to the list of Nigerian entertainers whose lives and careers were cut short by cancer.
While the specific type of cancer suffered by Hassan was not publicly disclosed, his daughters’ revelation that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer had generated concern among colleagues, fans and well-wishers before his death.
His passing has since triggered an outpouring of tributes across the entertainment industry, with many Nigerians mourning the loss of an actor whose contribution to Yoruba cinema spanned generations.
