The Nigerian film industry is mourning veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who died at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.
Ogogo’s death came days after his daughters disclosed that he was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for medical assistance as his condition deteriorated.
His family had revealed that the cancer had affected his abdomen and that some hospitals could no longer continue his chemotherapy, prompting an urgent search for alternative treatment options.
The development sparked an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans across the country, with several Nollywood stars rallying around the actor during his final days.
Insightlinks gathered that Ogogo began his acting career in 1981 while working as an auto mechanic and an employee of the Lagos State Water Corporation. He eventually left his government job in 1994 to pursue acting full-time.
He gained wider recognition following his appearance in Owo Blow, the 1996 home-video trilogy directed by Tade Ogidan.
Over the course of a career spanning more than four decades, Ogogo featured in hundreds of films and became particularly known for his portrayal of authoritative, intimidating and traditional characters in Yoruba-language productions.
Beyond his acting, he was also known for popularising memorable expressions that became part of Nigerian popular culture.
One of his widely remembered sayings was, “Gbogbo wa la ma je breakfast. Asiko t’onikaluku ma je ti e, ototo ni,” meaning that everyone will experience heartbreak, although the timing differs from one person to another. The expression later inspired Burna Boy’s hit song, Last Last.
As tributes continue to pour in, here are 10 memorable films that featured the late actor:
1. Owo Blow
The film remains one of Ogogo’s most notable early appearances and played a major role in establishing him as a recognised face in the Nigerian home-video era.
2. Abule Sowo
Ogogo’s performance in the Yoruba production further demonstrated his ability to bring commanding and complex characters to life.
3. Aso Idoti
The film is among the productions that helped cement his reputation as one of the prominent actors in Yoruba cinema.
4. Oruka Ojosi
Ogogo featured in the memorable production, adding another notable performance to his extensive filmography.
5. Elewon
His role in Elewon further showcased his versatility and his ability to portray strong and authoritative characters.
6. Omo Olomo
The film is another of the productions through which Ogogo connected with audiences across the Yoruba-speaking community.
7. Mofe Tokan Tokan
Ogogo was also part of this production, adding to the long list of Yoruba films that featured his distinctive acting style.
8. Ayesoro
The veteran actor’s performance in Ayesoro remains part of his contribution to the growth and popularity of Yoruba-language cinema.
9. Okan Soso
The film is another notable title in Ogogo’s extensive body of work, reflecting his long-standing presence in the industry.
10. Arowolo
Arowolo also ranks among the memorable productions associated with the late actor, whose career stretched across different generations of Nigerian cinema.
With his death, Nollywood has lost an actor whose career helped bridge the traditional Yoruba theatre era, the home-video boom and the modern Nigerian film industry.
Ogogo leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances, distinctive expressions and more than four decades of contribution to Yoruba cinema.
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