Yayi Recounts Extensive Support for Late Nollywood Icon Ogogo's Medical Battle

Solomon Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ogun State, widely known as Yayi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, famously called Ogogo. Adeola stated that he provided substantial support for the late actor's medical treatment, ensuring all possible care was rendered.

In a heartfelt tribute co-signed with his wife, Temitope Adeola, and shared on Facebook on Monday, Adeola described Ogogo's death as particularly painful, coming after the actor's 'courageous battle' with illness and collective prayers for his recovery. He affirmed that his family and he stood by Ogogo and his relatives throughout his illness, backing his treatment and maintaining hope for his recuperation.

Adeola's statement read, "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 senator lauded Ogogo as more than just an accomplished figure in the entertainment sector, referring to him as a 'dear brother' and a proud native of Ilaro and Ogun West. He highlighted that the actor's illustrious career brought happiness to countless generations and significantly 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 shared.

Adeola conveyed his condolences to Ogogo’s wife, children, and family, as well as to the people of Ilaro and Yewaland, along with his colleagues and associates in the entertainment industry. He offered prayers for Almighty Allah to forgive Ogogo’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

PUNCH Online previously reported that Ogogo's daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had acknowledged Adeola's assistance to their father during his health struggles. Kaira, in an earlier plea for medical aid, had specifically thanked Adeola (Yayi) for his help with their father's medical expenses. The daughters had also clarified that their appeal was strictly for medical intervention and not for financial donations.

Ogogo passed away at 3 pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, as announced by veteran actor Jide Kosoko. His remains were transported to his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, that Sunday, for burial on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites, attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. The actor had been battling stage-four cancer, with his daughters revealing that doctors had ceased chemotherapy due to his advanced condition. Ogogo was a prominent figure in Yoruba-language cinema, boasting a career spanning over four decades and featuring in hundreds of films.