The final exchange between veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, and his daughter, Kira Taiwo, has offered an emotional glimpse into the actor’s final weeks as his family mourns his death at 66.
Kira shared the conversation on her Instagram Story on Monday, a day after the actor died. The exchange, dated July 26, captured Ogogo reassuring his daughter and encouraging her to remain strong despite concerns about his health.
In the deeply personal conversation, Ogogo said the happiness of his children gave him the strength to keep going. He also pleaded with Kira not to cry, apparently concerned that her tears would worsen his own emotional state.
“How are you? I heard you are crying. Seeing you and your sisters smile is making me strong. If you cry, it will make me sad, and I will start to think,” the actor wrote.
Ogogo, who was a Muslim, also urged his daughter to place her trust in Allah and assured her that he remained strong.
“Be strong. I am strong. Nothing is going to happen to me, insha Allah. If you do, then don’t cry, my princess,” he added.
Kira, in response, sought to reassure her father that she was not crying and that she remained confident in her faith.
“Daddy, I’m not crying oo… don’t mind Haleemah. I trust in Allah, sir. I love you very much,” she wrote.
Ogogo replied affectionately: “Love u too, my princess.”
The exchange has taken on added significance following the disclosure of the severity of the actor’s illness. Weeks after the conversation, members of his family appealed publicly for assistance as his health deteriorated.
Kira and her sister, Lima Taiwo, had separately made emotional appeals on Instagram, seeking support for their father’s treatment.
Lima explained that the family only became fully aware of the seriousness of Ogogo’s condition about three weeks before his death. According to her, his physical appearance had initially not suggested that he was battling a severe illness.
Kira subsequently disclosed that the actor had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer. She said the hospital where he was receiving treatment could no longer administer chemotherapy, forcing the family to explore alternative medical options.
Despite the worsening condition, Ogogo’s earlier message to Kira showed a father attempting to comfort his daughter and shield her from fear.
The actor died at about 3pm on Sunday, according to a burial announcement made by fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko.
His death has sent mourners across the Yoruba film industry into grief, with tributes expected from colleagues, admirers and members of the wider entertainment community.
Ogogo is scheduled to be buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, in accordance with Islamic rites.
A lying-in-state ceremony is scheduled for 11am at the Pavilion, Ilaro. The Ilaro Muslim Community also announced that the burial prayer would take place at 10am at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground.
Ogogo was one of the notable figures in the Yoruba-language film industry, having built a career spanning several decades as an actor, filmmaker and director.
Beyond his performances on screen, he became a familiar face to generations of Yoruba film audiences and established himself as one of the industry's respected veteran practitioners.
As his family prepares to lay him to rest, the final words he exchanged with his daughter have become a poignant reminder of the bond between a father and his children—and of the courage with which he sought to reassure those closest to him during his final days.