Kira and Haleemah, daughters of veteran Nollywood actor and screenwriter Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, have publicly disclosed that their father is battling Stage 4 cancer. In emotional Instagram videos posted Monday night, they appealed for support as the family seeks treatment options, revealing that several hospitals have refused to treat him.
Hospitals Refuse Further Treatment
The daughters explained that medical facilities have declined to continue treatment, including chemotherapy. Kira stated, “I’m here for my daddy. He has cancer, and he’s in stage 4. The hospital is saying that they cannot treat him again; they can’t give him chemo again.” She emphasized that the family is not seeking money but rather access to any effective treatment, whether medical or herbal.
Kira thanked Senator Yayi for his ongoing financial support, saying, “I really love to appreciate Senator Yayi. He has been the one helping us; he has been the one footing the bills.” She pleaded with anyone who knows a practitioner capable of treating cancer to contact her or her sister, stressing her father’s will to live: “My daddy doesn’t want to die. He’s in pain. He’s not happy. Please, please, if you know anybody who can treat him natively or medically, I beg you, please, don’t let my daddy die.”
Family’s Desperate Appeal for Help
Haleemah echoed her sister’s plea, revealing that doctors discovered the cancer three weeks ago and that the full extent became known only three days prior. She said, “He has cancer, and it is very serious. The hospitals are refusing to treat him, and nobody is willing to do anything. We are not here to ask for money—that is not what this is about—but if you know someone who knows someone who can help, please reach out.”
Haleemah described her father’s strong desire to live, noting that he appears outwardly healthy despite the diagnosis. She also acknowledged Senator Yayi’s unexpected support, saying, “My big uncle, Yayi, has helped; nobody knows he’ll show up for us this way. I can’t watch my daddy die.” The family is ready to try any treatment option, medical or traditional.
Career Highlights and Industry Response
Ogogo, who began acting in 1981 after working as a mechanic and later left his job with the water corporation in 1994 to pursue acting full-time, has appeared in numerous films. His recent credits include “Oye Agba,” “Atitebi,” “Agbelebu,” “Agbo-Odaju,” “Danfo Driver,” “Amerah,” “Aníkúlápó,” “Bank Alert,” “IGE,” and “Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre.”
As of press time, PREMIUM TIMES could not reach the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) for confirmation. The newspaper contacted TAMPAN’s national president, veteran comic actor Bolaji “Mr Latin” Amusan, by phone, but he did not answer or respond to a message sent to him.
