Veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has reportedly died at the age of 66 after battling stage four cancer.
The actor was said to have passed away on Sunday following a deterioration in his health in recent weeks.
Reports of his death emerged after a video showing one of his daughters, Kira Taiwo, crying and apparently struggling to process the development surfaced online.
In the video, which was shared during an Instagram Live session, she was heard saying, “I need to call my sisters. I need to call my family.”
An announcement was also reportedly made by Sebilu Nnajat TV, a platform owned by Islamic cleric Sheikh Al-Fulanny, who is said to have close relationships with Muslim celebrities in the South-West.
The platform posted an emotional tribute which read, “Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. At last, Ogogo is gone. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
The reported death came only days after the actor’s family and management disclosed that he was suffering from stage four cancer and required urgent medical attention.
His family had appealed for assistance in securing suitable medical treatment, stressing that they were seeking access to appropriate healthcare rather than monetary donations.
In an earlier video appeal, Ogogo’s daughter said the family only discovered the seriousness of his condition about three weeks earlier. She also appealed to hospitals and medical practitioners who could provide the required treatment to come forward.
The appeal generated significant public interest, with the actor’s management later saying that hundreds of people had indicated their willingness to assist with his treatment.
Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, speaking on behalf of the management team, said the large number of offers had presented challenges, particularly because Hassan was already receiving treatment in a hospital.
“We have received offers from more than 300, and even over 500 people, each sincerely believing that they have something that could help him,” Kosoko said.
He said moving the actor from his current location for treatment elsewhere was difficult because of his condition.
“It is extremely difficult to move him from the hospital to different locations at this stage of his treatment, especially considering the large number of people who have offered to help,” he said.
Kosoko subsequently urged Nigerians to continue praying for the actor, expressing optimism about his recovery at the time.
“Please, continue to pray with us. We believe strongly that, with your prayers, our prayers, and the mercy of Almighty God, Taye will come out of this situation successfully. There is nothing impossible before Almighty God,” he said.
The actor’s management had also thanked his colleagues, fans and well-wishers in Nigeria and beyond for the support shown during his health crisis.
News of the reported death has since generated widespread reactions, with fans and fellow entertainers taking to social media to mourn the veteran actor.
Hassan was a major personality in the Yoruba film industry, having built a career spanning several decades as an actor, filmmaker and director.
He began acting professionally in the 1980s and rose to prominence through his appearances in Yoruba-language productions, including the widely known film Owo Blow.
Over the years, Hassan established himself as one of the notable faces of Yoruba cinema, earning recognition for his distinctive acting style and contributions to Nigerian film and television.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
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