We did everything possible to save Ogogo — Yayi

Ogun APC gubernatorial candidate, Solomon Adeola, has mourned veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, saying he supported the late actor’s medical treatment and did everything possible to ensure he received necessary care.

Adeola, in a tribute signed alongside his wife, Temitope Adeola, and posted on Facebook on Monday, said Ogogo’s death was particularly painful after the actor’s “courageous battle” with illness and the prayers and hopes for his recovery.

He said he and his family stood by Ogogo and his family during the actor’s illness, adding that they supported his treatment and remained hopeful that he would recover.

“During those difficult moments, we stood closely with him and his family, supporting his treatment and doing everything humanly possible to ensure that he received the necessary medical care.

“We remained hopeful and prayerful that he would overcome the illness and return to the family, friends and countless admirers who cherished him. Sadly, despite all efforts, it has pleased Almighty God to call him home. Indeed, God knows best,” the statement read.

Adeola described Ogogo as more than a veteran of the entertainment industry, saying he was a “dear brother” and a proud son of Ilaro and Ogun West.

He said the actor’s career brought joy to generations and contributed to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was more than an accomplished veteran of the entertainment industry to us; he was a dear brother and a proud son of Ilaro and Ogun West, whose remarkable career brought joy to generations and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian film industry.

“His talent, humility and enduring body of work will ensure that his memory lives on,” Adeola said.

The senator extended his condolences to Ogogo’s wife, children and family, as well as the people of Ilaro and Yewaland, his colleagues and associates in the entertainment industry.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Ogogo’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

Adeola, who is also the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, signed the tribute alongside his wife.

PUNCH Online recalls that Ogogo’s daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had acknowledged Adeola’s support for their father during his illness.

In an earlier appeal for medical assistance, Kaira had expressed appreciation to Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for helping the family with the actor’s medical bills.

The daughters had also stressed that their appeal was for medical intervention rather than financial donations.

Ogogo died at 3pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, according to a burial announcement by veteran actor, Jide Kosoko.

His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Sunday ahead of his burial on Monday.

The actor would be buried according to Islamic rites, with family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathering in Ilaro to bid him farewell.

Ogogo had battled stage-four cancer before his death. His daughters had disclosed that doctors informed the family that they could no longer administer chemotherapy because of his condition.

The actor was a prominent figure in Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades and hundreds of films to his credit.