- Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan Ogogo’s cancer diagnosis sparked widespread concern online after his daughters appealed for treatment recommendations
- Several beloved Nigerian entertainers, including Alexx Ekubo and Sadiq Daba, faced life-altering cancer diagnoses at different points in their careers
- While some celebrities survived their battles, others, including Karibi Fubara and Ify Onwuemene, lost their lives to the disease
The health battle of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has sparked widespread concern after his daughters took to social media to reveal his cancer diagnosis and appeal for assistance with his treatment following hospitals’ refusal to administer chemotherapy.
His situation has reignited conversations about cancer among Nigerian celebrities, coming only weeks after the passing of Alexx Ekubo, who died in May 2026 after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Credit: @ogogotaiwohassan
Source: Instagram
His family confirmed on his official Instagram page on 13 May 2026 that he passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from the disease.
Here are Nigerian Stars Who Fought Cancer
1. Taiwo Hassan Ogogo
Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, is currently battling cancer. His daughters revealed the news on social media, asking Nigerians to recommend hospitals for treatment after some facilities refused to give him chemotherapy.
The announcement sparked concern nationwide, with fans and colleagues offering prayers and support. His health challenge comes just months after the death of fellow actor Alexx Ekubo, making his case even more emotional for Nollywood lovers.
Few days after the news about his health spread, the actor was pronounced dead by his daughter Kira in a live-streamed video on Sunday, August 23.
In the clip, an emotional Kira could be seen alongside other family members as she scampered around while being consoled.
Credit: @ogogotaiwohassan
Source: Instagram
2. Banky W
In May 2024, singer Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, shared that he had successfully undergone his fourth cancer surgery.
He battled skin cancer, which happens when skin cells are damaged, often by too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Banky W posted on Instagram with the caption “Final Score, Christ 4, Cancer Tumours 0.”
His wife, Adesua, stood by him throughout, and he expressed deep gratitude for her support. His survival story remains one of the most inspiring in Nigerian entertainment.
Credit: bankyw
Source: Instagram
3. Karibi Fubara
Actor Karibi Fubara was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2020. He underwent surgery to remove about 90% of the tumour, but despite his brave fight, he passed away on December 15, 2021.
His sister Stella Fubara described him as a “warrior turned angel.” Karibi’s openness about his diagnosis and treatment inspired many Nigerians to take cancer awareness seriously.
4. Ify Onwuemene
Actress Ify Onwuemene, known for her role in Everyday People, battled endometrial cancer for years. Doctors removed her womb, and she endured multiple chemotherapy sessions, but her condition worsened. By 2019, she had reached stage 4 cancer.
Despite efforts from colleagues and friends, she died in May 2021. Her story highlighted the struggles many Nigerian patients face with late diagnosis and treatment challenges.
Credit: ifyonwuemene
Source: Instagram
5. Alexx Ekubo
Beloved Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo passed away in May 2026 after a brief but courageous fight with metastatic kidney cancer. His family announced his death on Instagram, revealing he died at Evercare Hospital due to complications from advanced cancer. Metastatic kidney cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the kidneys to other parts of the body.
His death shocked fans and colleagues, who remembered him for his charm, talent, and vibrant personality.
Credit: @alexxekubo
Source: Instagram
6. Sunday Akinola
Veteran Yoruba actor Sunday Akinola, famous for his role in Feyikogbon, died in January 2023 after battling kidney cancer.
His passing came just months after celebrating his 80th birthday. He had endured years of health struggles, including kidney failure, before succumbing to cancer. His death marked the end of an era for Yoruba television drama.
7. Tom Njemanze
Popular Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze fought prostate cancer. His colleagues rallied to raise funds for his treatment, showing the strong bond within Nollywood.
Sadly, he passed away in July 2025 after a long battle. His death drew attention to the need for better healthcare support for actors and entertainers in Nigeria.
8. Sadiq Daba
Respected actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba battled both prostate cancer and leukaemia. He became an advocate for cancer awareness, joining campaigns in Abuja to raise funds for poor Nigerians suffering from the disease.
He once told BBC Pidgin that he gave up drinking and smoking after his diagnosis and promised to serve God for the rest of his life. Sadly, he died in March 2021 at age 69. His death shocked the nation, but his legacy as an actor and activist lives on.
Credit: Sadiq Daba
Source: UGC
Ogogo, daughter warm hearts with funny posts
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that actor Ogogo’s daughter, Kira Taiwo, got Nigerians talking over a post she made online.
The Yoruba film star spotted Kira’s post on her Instagram page and reacted to it with surprise. Nigerians took to social media to react, as many laughed at the film star, saying he had finally eaten breakfast.
Source: Legit.ng