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| Photo Credit: Azeez Onifade aka Olu Ogogo & Taiwo Hassan aka Ogogo |
A close friend of the late veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has shared details about the actor’s final illness and the medical support he received.
Azeez Onifade, also known as Olu Ogogo, who was friends with the actor for about 25 years, spoke in an interview with City People. He described how persistent chest pain led to hospital visits and, eventually, a diagnosis of stage-four cancer.
According to Onifade, the pain began during a trip to Ilaro. The following morning, when the discomfort continued, they drove to Apena Hospital in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. Doctors examined him, ran tests, and administered injections to ease the pain. He was later referred to other facilities, including one where they met Mutiat, a relative from Ilaro. Further referral took them to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where the cancer diagnosis was confirmed.
Onifade said Mutiat contacted traditional authorities, who then informed Senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi), the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State and a senator representing Ogun West.
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Senator Adeola reportedly suggested treatment in India. Visa delays prevented the trip. By the time documents were ready, the actor’s condition had weakened to the point that air travel was no longer advisable. The senator then arranged for a doctor to travel from India to Nigeria to assist with care.
Onifade stated that the visiting doctor recommended moving the actor to St. Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island that same night.
Specialists began treatment immediately. According to the account, Ogogo showed some improvement and was able to eat small amounts until approximately five days before his death, when his condition changed significantly.
Onifade expressed gratitude, saying he believed the actor did not suffer prolonged severe pain in his final days.
Taiwo Hassan, known for his long career in Yoruba-language cinema, died on 23 August 2026 at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. He was buried shortly afterward in line with Islamic tradition.
This report is based on Onifade’s interview with City People, as covered by multiple Nigerian news outlets. It reflects the friend’s personal account of events surrounding the actor’s illness and the assistance provided by associates, including Senator Adeola.
Chioma Adeyemi is an entertainment and music writer at Naijapiz. She covers Nigerian music, celebrity news, Nollywood, Big Brother Naija, and lifestyle.
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