Veteran actor and screenwriter Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan has died after battling stage-four cancer. His daughter, Kira, announced the death during an Instagram Live session on Sunday. She was visibly distressed and crying. “Help me call my sister, my family, my daddy is dead. I want to go home. I can’t believe this. I want to go and see my daddy before he gets buried,” she said.
The actor’s daughters had earlier disclosed that doctors diagnosed their father with cancer three weeks ago. They appealed to Nigerians to help the family explore possible treatment options. His colleague, Saidi Balogun, also confirmed the death in an Instagram post. “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. You can rest now, my brother Taiwo Hassan Ogogo. May Almighty Allah guide you through Aljannah. This is truly painful,” Balogun wrote.
Ogogo was a beloved figure in Nollywood, known for his roles in countless films. His death is a significant loss to the Nigerian film industry. He was one of the last links to the golden age of Yoruba cinema. His passing comes just days after the industry had rallied around him, with fans and colleagues offering support. The outpouring of grief on social media testifies to his impact.
The winners: none. The losers: the deceased's family; the Nigerian film industry, which has lost a veteran; and the Nigerian public, which has lost a cultural icon.
Bottom Line: Nollywood has lost a legend. Ogogo’s legacy will live on through his work. The question is whether the industry will honour his memory by supporting its veterans.