The Nigerian film industry has lost one of its most recognisable veterans, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo. The celebrated Yoruba actor died on Sunday, August 23, at the age of 66. His death followed a battle with stage-four cancer.
Weeks earlier, his daughters, Kira and Lima, publicly disclosed his diagnosis. They appealed for specialised medical care and prayers for their father. Unfortunately, the actor did not survive the illness.
Ogogo’s death has left a huge void in Nollywood. His longtime friends, including Yinka Quadri and Abbey Lanre, have also lost a cherished colleague. 
Beyond his successful acting career, Ogogo lived a remarkable life. Here are nine things to know about the late actor.
1. Ogogo Was Born in Ogun State
Taiwo Hassan was born on October 31, 1959, in Ilaro, Ogun State. He was the last surviving child from his mother’s four sets of twins. He lived to the age of 66.
Ogogo attended Christ Church School in Ilaro for his primary education. However, financial difficulties prevented him from completing secondary school in Lagos.
He later learnt automobile mechanics and developed valuable technical skills. That training would eventually shape an important chapter of his early working life.
2. Ogogo Worked as Mechanic as a Civil Servant
Before acting became his full-time profession, Ogogo worked with the Lagos State Water Corporation. He reportedly spent 13 years working as a mechanic within the organisation. At the time, acting remained a passion rather than his primary career.
Eventually, however, acting demands increased significantly and started clashing with his 8-4pm career. Ogogo then resigned from his civil service position to pursue entertainment fully. His boss reportedly encouraged him to remain at least for two more years. That would have allowed him to become eligible for pension benefits.
Ogogo ultimately chose acting and followed his passion.
3. Ogogo Started Acting on Stage in the Cinemas
Ogogo reportedly began his acting career in 1981. He started with stage performances during the era of travelling theatre. He quickly developed a reputation for his strong stage presence and chanting skills.
His experience on stage later helped him transition successfully into Yoruba home videos. From there, his popularity continued to grow.
READ ALSO: 10 Movies That Show Taiwo Hassan’s Legacy in Nollywood
4. How He Got the Name ‘Ogogo’
The name Ogogo came from his family’s traditional praise poetry, known as oriki. During performances, he often had to chant royal and traditional praises. One particular family praise always came to his mind and it stood out.
“Ogogo Omo Akulodo Aringini.”
Ogogo delivered the chant so effectively that colleagues began calling him Ogogo. The name eventually became inseparable from his public identity. It swallowed his real name as many came to know him by it. It also became one of the most recognisable stage names in Yoruba entertainment.
5. Ogogo and Yinka Quadri Shared a Long Friendship
Ogogo shared a deep friendship with fellow actor Yinka Quadri. The pair reportedly met in 1977 during their early days as young Yoruba theatre practitioners. Their shared passion for acting brought them together. Over the years, their friendship developed into a lasting professional and personal relationship.
Their bond spanned several decades and survived major changes within the Nigerian entertainment industry. They have had their differences in the past and many who could not see them apart meddled in and help them mend fences.
Ogogo’s death therefore represents a painful loss for Quadri and many of their longtime colleagues.
6. He Helped Establish the Odunfa Caucus
In 1986, Ogogo and several colleagues established the Odunfa Caucus. The group included Yinka Quadri, Alhaji Kaka, Razak Ajao, known as Araosan, and Abiodun Olanrewaju popularly known as Abbey Lanre.
Yinka Quadri served as chairman, while Ogogo became his deputy.
The group operated from Kaka House on Odunfa Street, Ebute Metta West, Lagos. Over time, the caucus helped produce several notable names in Nigerian entertainment.
Its members and protégés contributed to acting, directing, producing and other areas of filmmaking. Some of them are Saidi Balogun, Faithia Balogun, Toyosi Adesanya, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, Ibrahim Chatta, Sunny Alli, Toyosi Adesanya, Funke Akindele, Yomi Fabiyi, Tayo Odueke (Sikirat Sindodo), Bimbo Thomas, and many more.
7. His Career Survived Several Generations
Ogogo built his career during the era of stage plays and cinema theatre. He later became a household name when Nigerian home videos gained popularity. Consequently, audiences could enjoy his performances from their homes.
However, his career did not end with the decline of traditional home videos. He remained relevant during the streaming era. He also connected with younger audiences through contemporary films and online content.
Ogogo even appeared in content alongside his daughter, Kira, Taaooma and younger creators. His ability to remain relevant across generations made him an enduring Nollywood figure.
READ ALSO: Heartbreaking Chat of Ogogo With Daughter Kira Revealed After His Death
8. Ogogo Was a Father of Five
Ogogo was married to two wives and had five children. His first wife, Ajoke Taiwo, is a Christian despite Ogogo’s Islamic faith. They had three daughters, Kira, Lima and Haleema.
His second wife, Taibat Taiwo, practices the same religion as their husband. She had two sons with him. They were Khaleed Ayinde and Fuad Alade Taiwo.
Ogogo’s children remained an important part of his life. He was said to be a loving family man and father.
His daughters, particularly Kira and Lima, also kept the public informed about his health before his death.
9. He Left Behind a Lasting Cultural Legacy
Ogogo’s influence extended beyond individual movie roles. He became an important figure in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian filmmaking. His career connected traditional stage theatre with modern screen entertainment.
His work earned him admiration across generations of Nigerian movie lovers. Therefore, his death marks the end of an important era in Yoruba entertainment.
Ogogo’s journey from automobile mechanic to celebrated actor remains one of perseverance and passion. His story shows that humble beginnings do not have to determine how far a person can go.
READ MORE: Ogogo: ‘We Thought It Was Ulcer’, actor’s Daughter Kira Gives Update on His Health
About The Author
