The Nigerian film industry has continued to mourn the loss of some of its biggest stars in 2026, with the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, emerging as one of the latest tragedies to hit Nollywood.
From veteran actors who shaped Nigerian theatre, television and Yoruba cinema to younger stars whose careers were cut short, the deaths have left colleagues, families and fans grieving.
Here are some Nollywood stars whose deaths were reported in 2026, arranged from the most recent:
1. Taiwo Hassan — ‘Ogogo’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died in August 2026 at the age of 66.
The actor died at about 3pm on Sunday, according to a burial announcement by veteran actor Jide Kosoko on Instagram.
His remains were later taken to Ilaro, Ogun State, his hometown, where a lying-in-state ceremony was held on Monday before his burial.
The Ilaro Muslim Community also announced a burial prayer for the veteran actor.
Ogogo’s death came days after his daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, appealed for medical assistance for their father, who had been battling stage-four cancer.
Kaira disclosed that doctors had informed the family that they could no longer administer chemotherapy because of his condition, prompting them to seek other treatment options.
Ogogo was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, particularly known for his contributions to Yoruba-language films.
His career spanned more than four decades, during which he featured in hundreds of films and became one of the most recognisable actors in Yoruba cinema.
2. Temitope Osoba
Actress and filmmaker Temitope Osoba died in August 2026 at the age of 40.
She began her acting career in 2005 and featured in several Yoruba-language productions.
Osoba also worked as a dancer and film producer during her career and had spoken publicly about her battle with breast cancer.
Her death sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans, many of whom remembered her resilience and contributions to the Yoruba film industry.
3. Taiwo Adeshina — ‘Elegbeje Ado’
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Adeshina, popularly known as Elegbeje Ado, died on June 29, 2026, after a brief illness.
He was known for his contributions to Yoruba-language cinema and featured in several indigenous productions.
PUNCH reported his death on June 30.
His passing added to the growing list of losses recorded by the Yoruba film industry in 2026.
4. Kola Oyewo
Veteran actor, dramatist and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
His death was confirmed by fellow actor Kunle Afod and subsequently reported by PUNCH.
Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and became one of the most respected figures in Nigerian theatre and film.
He was particularly remembered for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame.
His career spanned theatre, television and film, earning him recognition as one of the influential figures in Nigerian performing arts.
5. Okiki Adeshina — ‘Janmole’
Yoruba actor Okiki Adeshina, popularly known as Janmole, died in June 2026 following injuries sustained in a road accident.
His death shocked colleagues and fans in the Yoruba film industry.
Janmole was one of the actors whose passing added to the losses recorded in the indigenous movie sector during the year.
6. Alexx Ekubo
Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo died in May 2026 at the age of 40.
He became one of the recognisable faces of contemporary Nollywood after emerging as first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition.
Ekubo featured in films including A Man for the Weekend, The Blood Covenant, Devil in Agbada and Afamefuna: An Nwa-Boi Story.
PUNCH subsequently published several reports on his death and funeral, as tributes poured in from colleagues, friends and members of his family.
7. Oby Kechere — ‘Madam Koi Koi’
Actress, filmmaker and producer Oby Kechere, popularly known as Madam Koi Koi, died on April 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
She became widely known for playing Ms Koi Koi in the popular comedy film Aki na Ukwa.
Kechere was also involved in filmmaking behind the camera and was a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria.
Her death marked another major loss to the Nigerian movie industry.
8. Solomon Akiyesi
Veteran actor Solomon Akiyesi died in April 2026.
PUNCH reported his death on April 27, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming the development.
Akiyesi was known for his appearances in several Nollywood productions and had built a reputation within the Nigerian film industry over the years.
9. Davis Offor — ‘Clarus’
Veteran actor Davis Offor, popularly known as Clarus, died on April 6, 2026, at the age of 85.
He was best remembered for playing Clarus Mgbeojikwe in the classic Nigerian television comedy series, The New Masquerade.
His portrayal of the mischievous houseboy made him one of the memorable faces of Nigerian television comedy.
The character remained popular among generations of viewers who grew up watching the iconic programme.
10. Bamidele Oluwatope — ‘Okemesi’
Actor and content creator Bamidele Oluwatope, popularly known as Okemesi, died in February 2026.
He was a popular actor in the Yoruba film industry known for his energetic and comic roles.
Okemesi was particularly known for combining English, Yoruba and his Ekiti dialect in his performances and online content.
His death was mourned by fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
11. Ajara Lasisi — ‘Aunty Ajara’
Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, died on February 5, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
Her death was announced by filmmaker Tobi Oladele, popularly known as Tee Mony, while her brother, Ridwan Lasisi, subsequently confirmed her passing.
Lasisi was known for her comic and supporting roles in Yoruba-language films.
She was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.
Their legacies live on
The deaths have cut across different generations of Nigeria’s film industry.
While some were celebrated veterans who helped shape Nigerian theatre, television and indigenous cinema, others belonged to a younger generation that was taking Nollywood in new directions.
Their performances, memorable characters and contributions to the industry, however, remain part of Nigeria’s entertainment history.
