By Opeyemi Adelakun
The death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has renewed attention on Nigerian actors who battled cancer before their deaths.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional live broadcast.
Days before his death, Kira and her sister, Haleemah, had disclosed that their father was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for financial and medical assistance.
His death has added to a list of prominent Nigerian entertainers whose lives were cut short after prolonged battles with different forms of cancer.
- Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’
Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades.
The actor, producer and director featured in several notable productions, including Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
His daughters revealed shortly before his death that he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer. The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
- Alexx Ekubo
Popular actor Alexx Ekubo reportedly died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.
According to information attributed to his family, he died at Evercare Hospital from complications associated with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo appeared in films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
His health condition was largely kept away from public attention until his death.
- Tom Njemanze
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after reportedly battling prostate cancer.
Before his death, videos showing him receiving medical treatment circulated online, while colleagues appealed for financial support for his care.
Njemanze was known for roles in productions such as Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
- 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 paid tribute to her contribution to Nollywood.
Ikwuegbu was particularly recognised for playing motherly and elderly characters in numerous Nigerian films.
- Ethel Ekpe
Actress Ethel Ekpe died in February 2024 after battling cancer, although the specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
She became widely known for playing Segi in Ken Saro-Wiwa’s television comedy series Basi and Company.
Ekpe also featured in productions including Amaka Igwe’s Forever, Sons of the Caliphate and Speak the Word.
- Karibi Fubara
Actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, after battling kidney cancer.
Fubara revealed in 2020 that doctors had discovered a large tumour in his kidney. He subsequently underwent surgery during which about 90 per cent of the tumour was reportedly removed.
He continued treatment before his death and was remembered for appearances in productions such as God Calling, Smart Money Woman, Castle and Castle and Quam’s Money.
- 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 financial assistance from colleagues and well-wishers.
Daba gained widespread recognition for his role in the television series Cockcrow at Dawn. He also played Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, a performance that earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
- Doris Chima
Veteran actress Doris Chima died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years.
Her death was confirmed by the then Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State, Emeka Rising Ibe.
Chima featured in several Nollywood productions before her prolonged illness eventually took her away from the screen.
- 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 was widely remembered for playing the wife of Sam Loco Efe’s character in the popular television series Everyday People.
- 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, which also became the source of her popular stage name.
Abimbola featured in other productions, including No Pain, No Gain, Awerijaye, So Wrong So Right and Kamson and Neighbours.
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