Ogogo, Other Nollywood Stars Who Lost Battles to Cancer
The Nigerian film industry has again been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after reportedly battling stage four cancer.
His daughters, Kira Taiwo and Haleemah, disclosed his condition days before his death while appealing for financial and medical assistance.
His death has once again drawn attention to the number of Nollywood personalities who have died after battling various forms of cancer.
Over the years, the Nigerian entertainment industry has lost several prominent actors and actresses to the disease, with some undergoing prolonged treatment, surgeries and chemotherapy before their deaths.
Their stories remain part of Nollywood’s painful history, as the industry continues to mourn some of the faces that shaped Nigerian cinema and television.
Among them are:
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 supporting him financially during his illness.
Daba became widely recognised for his role in Cockcrow at Dawn and later played Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1.
His performance in the film earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, following a battle with what colleagues described as leg cancer.
Her death was announced by movie producer Stanley Nwoko, who mourned her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Ikwuegbu was particularly known for portraying motherly and elderly characters in several Nollywood productions.
Aisha Abimbola
Yoruba actress Aisha Abimbola, popularly known as Omoge Campus, died in a Canadian hospital in May 2018 after battling breast cancer.
She rose to prominence after appearing in the 2001 film Omoge Campus.
Her other credits included 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.
Fubara disclosed in 2020 that doctors had discovered a large kidney tumour.
He later underwent surgery, during which about 90 per cent of the tumour was reportedly removed.
He featured in productions including 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 type of cancer she suffered was not publicly disclosed.
Ekpe became a familiar face to television audiences through her portrayal of Segi in the popular comedy series Basi and Company.
She also appeared in Forever, Sons of the Caliphate, Speak the Word and other productions.
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 featured in several Nollywood productions before her illness eventually kept 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, videos showing the actor receiving treatment in hospital circulated, while colleagues appealed for financial assistance.
Njemanze was known for his roles in 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.
According to her colleague, Gloria Anozie-Young, Onwuemene underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy during her treatment.
She became popular for playing the wife of Sam Loco Efe’s character in the television series Everyday People.
Alexx Ekubo
Actor Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40, according to the account provided.
His family reportedly said he died at Evercare Hospital from complications associated with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was known for appearances in films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
His health challenges had largely remained private before his reported death.
Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’
Veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.
Hassan spent more than four decades in the entertainment industry and became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema.
He also appeared in English-language productions and worked as an actor, producer and director.
His notable credits include Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó, among several other productions.
His death followed the revelation by his daughters that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
The specific type of cancer he was battling was not publicly disclosed before his death.
Ogogo’s passing has once again brought the devastating impact of cancer within the entertainment industry into focus.
His death adds another painful chapter to the story of Nollywood stars whose careers were cut short after difficult battles with the disease.
