Ogogo’s Death Brings Nollywood’s Cancer Losses Back Into Focus
The death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has brought renewed attention to Nollywood stars who lost their lives after battles with cancer.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after reportedly battling stage four cancer.
His daughters, Kira Taiwo and Haleemah, had disclosed his condition days earlier while seeking financial and medical assistance for their father.
Ogogo’s death has reopened memories of other celebrated entertainers whose lives were cut short by different forms of cancer.
Some of them underwent surgery, chemotherapy and prolonged treatment before eventually succumbing to the disease.
Sadiq Daba
Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on March 3, 2021, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer.
He received treatment in Nigeria and abroad, with colleagues and well-wishers helping to raise funds during his illness.
Daba became famous for his role in Cockcrow at Dawn and later portrayed Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1.
His performance earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
Stella Ikwuegbu
Actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, after battling what colleagues described as leg cancer.
Movie producer Stanley Nwoko announced her death and paid tribute to her contributions to Nollywood.
Ikwuegbu was widely recognised for playing motherly and elderly roles in Nigerian movies.
Aisha Abimbola
Yoruba actress Aisha Abimbola, popularly called Omoge Campus, died in Canada in May 2018 after battling breast cancer.
She gained prominence following her appearance in the 2001 movie Omoge Campus.
She also featured in No Pain, No Gain, Awerijaye, So Wrong So Right and Kamson and Neighbours.
Karibi Fubara
Actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, following a battle with kidney cancer.
He revealed in 2020 that doctors had discovered a large kidney tumour.
Fubara subsequently underwent surgery, with reports stating that about 90 per cent of the tumour was removed.
His credits included God Calling, Smart Money Woman, Castle and Castle and Quam’s Money.
Ethel Ekpe
Veteran actress Ethel Ekpe died in February 2024 after battling cancer.
The specific form of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
She became a familiar television face through her role as Segi in the popular comedy series Basi and Company.
Ekpe also appeared in Forever, Sons of the Caliphate and Speak the Word.
Doris Chima
Veteran actress Doris Chima died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years.
Her death was confirmed by Emeka Rising Ibe, then Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State.
Chima appeared in several Nollywood productions before her illness forced her away from the screen.
Tom Njemanze
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer.
Before his death, images and videos of the actor receiving treatment circulated as colleagues appealed for financial support.
He was known for films including Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
Ify Onwuemene
Actress Ifeyinwa Onwuemene, popularly known as Ify Onwuemene, died on May 25, 2021, after battling stage four endometrial cancer.
Her colleague, Gloria Anozie-Young, said she underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy during her treatment.
Onwuemene became popular for her role as the wife of Sam Loco Efe’s character in Everyday People.
Alexx Ekubo
Actor Alexx Ekubo reportedly died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.
According to the account provided, his family said he died at Evercare Hospital from complications linked to advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was known for films such as Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
His health condition had largely remained private until his reported death.
Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’
Ogogo’s death marks the latest loss in a long line of Nollywood figures associated with cancer battles.
The actor spent more than four decades in the entertainment industry, becoming a major figure in Yoruba cinema.
He also featured in English-language productions and worked as an actor, producer and director.
His notable works include Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
His daughters later revealed that he was battling stage four cancer, although the specific type was not publicly disclosed.
Ogogo’s death has therefore revived a difficult conversation about the number of Nigerian entertainers who have battled cancer away from the cameras.
For Nollywood, his passing is not only the loss of a veteran performer but another painful reminder of stars whose journeys ended while battling the disease.
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