The curtains have fallen on the remarkable journey of Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo — the auto mechanic who traded his spanners for scripts and went on to become one of the most celebrated faces in Yoruba cinema.
The veteran actor died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after a battle with stage-four cancer.
His death was announced by his family in a statement released by veteran actor Jide Kosoko, who described the loss as a painful one for relatives, friends, colleagues and fans of the late screen icon.
According to the announcement, Ogogo passed away at about 3:00 p.m.
His remains will be taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, where a laying-in-state ceremony will hold on Monday, August 24.
The ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the Pavillon, Ilaro, Ogun State.
The family prayed for Allah’s mercy on the late actor and asked for strength to cope with the loss.
From workshop to movie fame
Before he became a household name on television screens, Ogogo lived a life far removed from the glamour of Nollywood.
The Ilaro-born actor started out as an automobile mechanic, spending years mastering the trade before destiny steered him towards acting.
With his hands once covered in grease while fixing vehicles, Ogogo later picked up scripts and transformed himself into one of the most respected performers in Yoruba-language cinema.
His transition from the mechanic workshop to the entertainment industry remains one of the inspiring stories in Nollywood — a journey that saw him rise from humble beginnings to national recognition.
A career that shaped Yoruba cinema
Ogogo began acting in the early 1980s and built a reputation for his strong delivery, commanding screen presence and ability to portray complex traditional and family roles.
For more than four decades, he featured in countless Yoruba movies and became a favourite among fans of indigenous Nigerian films.
His performances earned him admiration across generations, making him one of the respected figures who helped popularise Yoruba cinema.
Cancer battle and emotional final days
News of Ogogo’s health struggles had earlier drawn public attention after his family revealed that he was battling stage-four cancer.
His daughter, Kira Taiwo, had during an emotional social media live session broken down in tears while speaking about her father’s condition and accusing some individuals of allegedly trying to profit from his illness.
She appealed for support as the family battled to manage his health challenges.
The development attracted support and prayers from colleagues and fans, with prominent Yoruba actors rallying around the actor during his difficult period.
Nollywood loses another giant
Ogogo’s death has left a deep wound in the Yoruba film industry, coming as the passing of a man whose story represented determination, resilience and transformation.
From an automobile workshop to the centre stage of Nollywood, Taiwo Hassan’s journey remains a reminder of how talent and perseverance can rewrite destiny.
He leaves behind a legacy of memorable roles and decades of contribution to Nigerian cinema.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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