The 66-year-old Yoruba film icon, Taiwo Hassan, died on Sunday after battling stage-four cancer, leaving colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry mourning a major loss.

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, will be buried in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, August 24, 2026.

Hassan, a respected figure in the Yoruba film industry, died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.

The news of his death was announced by fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who said the actor passed away at about 3 p.m.

According to Kosoko, Hassan’s remains were taken to Ilaro on Sunday ahead of the funeral arrangements.

A burial announcement shared by Kosoko stated that a lying-in-state ceremony would hold at the Pavilion in Ilaro at 11 a.m. on Monday.

“With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who passed away at 3:00 p.m. today, Sunday, 23rd August 2026, at 66 years,” the statement read.

The announcement added, “His remains will be taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State today, where the lying-in-state ceremony will take place tomorrow.”

The Ilaro Muslim Community also confirmed the burial arrangements in a separate announcement circulated by the founder of Best of Nollywood, Seun Oloketuyi.

The community announced that the burial prayer would take place at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro at 10 a.m., with the Chief Imam of Ilaro expected to lead the proceedings.

The announcement began with the Islamic condolence phrase, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un,” and described Hassan as a beloved member of the Ilaro Muslim community.

Ogogo’s final health battle

Hassan’s death came only days after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, appealed publicly for medical assistance for their father.

Ogogo’s Daughters Cry Out for Help as Veteran Actor Battles Stage-Four Cancer

https://dailyobserver.ng/ogogos-daughters-cry-out-for-help-as-veteran-actor-battles-stage-four-cancer

The sisters had taken to social media on Monday, August 17, to seek medical advice and support as the actor battled stage-four cancer.

Kaira reportedly revealed that doctors had informed the family that chemotherapy could no longer be administered because of his condition.

Despite the family's efforts, the veteran actor died on Sunday, leaving the Yoruba movie industry and his numerous admirers in mourning.

A major figure in Yoruba cinema

Ogogo was one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language cinema, earning a reputation for his powerful performances, distinctive screen presence and contributions to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

Over the years, he worked as an actor and screenwriter and became a familiar name to generations of Nollywood audiences.

His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and other members of Nigeria’s creative community, many of whom have described his passing as a significant loss to the entertainment industry.

As family, colleagues and admirers prepare to bid him farewell in Ilaro, the industry is left to reckon with the loss of another veteran who helped shape Yoruba cinema.