The death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has renewed attention on Nigerian actors and actresses who battled cancer before their deaths.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, aged 66, days after his daughters disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer.
Over the years, several prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry have also faced different forms of cancer. Below are 11 Nollywood stars whose cancer battles ended in death.
- Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ — Stage-four cancer
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.
His daughters had earlier disclosed that the actor was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for medical assistance.
The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
Hassan enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades and featured in notable productions including Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
- Alexx Ekubo — Kidney cancer
Popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, aged 40.
His family said he died at Evercare Hospital from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was known for films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
- Tom Njemanze — Prostate cancer
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer.
Before his death, videos of the actor receiving treatment in hospital circulated online, with colleagues appealing for financial assistance.
He was known for his appearances in films such as Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
- Stella Ikwuegbu — Leg cancer
Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, following a battle with what colleagues described as leg cancer.
She was widely recognised for playing motherly and elderly characters in numerous Nollywood productions.
Her death was announced by movie producer Stanley Nwoko.
- Ethel Ekpe — Cancer
Veteran actress Ethel Ekpe died in February 2024 after battling cancer.
The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
She became popular for playing Segi in the television comedy series Basi and Company and also appeared in productions including Forever, Sons of the Caliphate and Speak the Word.
- Karibi Fubara — Kidney cancer
Actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, after battling kidney cancer.
Fubara had disclosed in 2020 that doctors discovered a large kidney tumour. He subsequently underwent surgery to remove about 90 per cent of it.
He featured in productions including God Calling, Smart Money Woman, Castle and Castle and Quam’s Money.
- Sadiq Daba — Leukaemia and prostate cancer
Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on March 3, 2021, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer.
He received treatment both in Nigeria and abroad, with several Nigerians contributing towards his medical expenses.
Daba was particularly remembered for his role in Cockcrow at Dawn and his award-winning performance as Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1.
- Doris Chima — Breast cancer
Veteran actress Doris Chima died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years.
Her illness eventually kept her away from the screen.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lagos State, confirmed her death.
- Ify Onwuemene — Endometrial cancer
Actress Ify Onwuemene, best known for her role in the popular television series Everyday People, died on May 25, 2021.
She had battled endometrial cancer, with reports stating that she underwent surgery and several chemotherapy sessions.
Her colleague, Gloria Anozie-Young, disclosed that doctors had diagnosed her with stage-four cancer after previous treatments.
- Aisha Abimbola ‘Omoge Campus’ — Breast cancer
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 through the 2001 film Omoge Campus and subsequently appeared in productions including No Pain, No Gain, Awerijaye, So Wrong So Right and Kamson and Neighbours.
- Sound Sultan — Cancer
Although primarily known as a musician rather than a Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, was also an actor and is worth mentioning among Nigerian entertainment personalities lost to cancer.
He died on July 11, 2021, aged 44, after battling angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer.
He reportedly underwent treatment in the United States before his death.
Cancer continues to affect Nigeria’s entertainment industry
The deaths of these entertainers have highlighted the devastating impact cancer can have, even among highly successful public figures.
Their stories also underscore the importance of early detection, proper medical evaluation and access to appropriate cancer treatment.
It is important, however, to distinguish between actors who died from cancer and actors who merely had cancer at some point. For some of the personalities listed above, the exact medical cause of death or specific cancer type was not publicly disclosed.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria, Punch Newspapers and other cited reports.