Taiwo Hassan’s ‘Gruelling’ 7-Year Illness Battle Emerges in Resurfaced Interview

• A throwback interview of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has resurfaced following his death at age 66
• In the emotional interview, Ogogo recalled battling a severe ulcer for seven years and suffering episodes that left him vomiting blood and struggling to eat
• The late actor also explained how a local remedy he used while treating malaria worsened his condition, adding to the difficulties he faced during his illness

A throwback interview featuring veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has gone viral following his passing.

Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after a battle with stage-four cancer.

His death sent shockwaves through Nollywood and the wider Nigerian entertainment industry, drawing an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike.

His remains were later flown to his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, ahead of his burial.

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Ogogo's seven-year battle with severe ulcer

The interview, originally published by Oyinmomo TV on July 4, 2025, captured the actor speaking candidly about a gruelling seven-year struggle with a severe ulcer that left him barely able to eat or move without pain.

Recounting his ordeal, Ogogo described experiencing episodes of vomiting blood and enduring months of such intense discomfort that he could only pray while seated.

Doctors at King Solomon Hospital, where he had a scan conducted, confirmed that the ulcer had caused considerable internal damage. He said:

"I spent six, seven years battling this illness, ulcer. I would vomit blood. For seven months I prayed while sitting."

The actor also disclosed that his condition was partly worsened by a common self-prescription habit whenever he developed malaria.

At his lowest point, he could not retain even a teaspoon of rice without vomiting; cornmeal remained the only food his body could tolerate for the full seven years.

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The old interview in which Ogogo recounts his seven-year battle with ulcer is below.

Reactions trail Ogogo's old video about his health

The resurfaced clip prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection online, with many Nigerians commenting on the broader dangers of self-prescription and the country's healthcare challenges.

YEN.com.gh compiled some of the comments below.

@Lifegoeson4r wrote:

"Death na stubborn werey, all the struggles to be successful no concern death, e fit take person anyday without notice."

@papi_demillie observed:

"Many Nigerians remain dangerously ignorant about common medications and serious health risks, often preferring self-prescription and folklore over professional advice."

@JusttPrisca added:

"The country failed you man, cuz with proper treatments you can survive stage 4 cancer and still live for some more years.. Nigeria is a terrible place."

@TheKing0700 reacted:

"imagine... na ulcer without proper treatment pai this man... omo this life ehenn."

Kessben's 5 children surface in emotional photo

According to an earlier report by YEN.com.gh, Kessben's five children were seen united in an emotional photo following the sudden death of their father, Ghanaian business mogul Stephen Kwabena Boateng.

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“It’s difficult for me”: Kessben FM staff struggle to hold back tears as emotional scenes emerge after death

The image, taken during a mourning gathering, showed the siblings dressed in black, surrounded by relatives and associates who came to pay their respects, embodying the personal weight of a loss that has resonated across Ghana's business and media sectors.

Source: YEN.com.gh