Nigeria’s film community is in mourning following the death of Taiwo Hassan, a veteran star of Yoruba-language cinema popularly known as Ogogo, at the age of 66. His daughter, Kira Hassan, confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram live broadcast on Sunday, during which she struggled to accept the loss. The actor had been battling cancer, according to reports, and is set to be buried on Monday in his hometown in Ogun state, southwestern Nigeria, in line with Muslim tradition, fellow actor Prince Jide Kosoko said.
Colleagues and fans have since paid tribute to a performer who became one of the most recognizable faces in Yoruba cinema. Before rising to fame on screen, Ogogo spent about 13 years working as a mechanic at the Ogun State Water Corporation. He began acting in 1981 while still employed there, eventually transitioning to full-time performing in 1994 to devote himself to the craft he loved.
Over the course of his career, Ogogo earned numerous awards and critical acclaim, particularly for his role as the Alaafin of Oyo, the most revered king in Yorubaland, in the movie Anikulapo. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from peers. Actor Saidi Balogun shared an emotional message, calling Ogogo a brother and saying, “You can rest now… This is truly painful.”
Femi Adebayo praised Ogogo as a “true pillar of Yoruba cinema” whose impact would last for generations, writing: “Thank you for the years, the stories, the lessons and the moments that made us fall in love with the craft.” Muyiwa Ademola described his passing as “the end of an era,” calling Ogogo “one of the biggest the Nigerian film industry ever produced.”
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, also mourned the actor, stating that Ogogo was more than a gifted performer. Through a remarkable career, he brought laughter to countless homes, told stories that reflected society, and used his talent to entertain, educate, and inspire social change.
Contrary to popular belief, Ogogo did not acquire his stage name from a film role; it was actually a family praise name he adopted as his professional identity. He had explained that he took up the name long before he became well known. Additional reporting by BBC News Yoruba.