The Ogun State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has revealed that he had planned to appoint late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as his Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture if elected governor in the 2027 election.
Yayi disclosed this on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family of the late actor in Ilaro, Ogun State.
The senator described Ogogo as an elder brother and said the veteran actor’s deep knowledge of Yoruba culture, traditional values and the entertainment industry made him a natural choice for the proposed role.
According to Yayi, he had intended to make Ogogo a cabinet-level Special Adviser because of his experience and contribution to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba heritage.
“I told God that if it is destined for me to be governor, my elder brother Ogogo will be my Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture. My plan was he will be a Special Adviser that is a cabinet member,” he said.
Yayi explained that Ogogo’s understanding of Ogun’s cultural heritage, coupled with his long career as an actor and his connection to traditional values, influenced his decision.
“I kept it on my chest; I was walking with it. I believed God will do,” he added.
“And the reasons are not far-fetched. He is good at what he does as an actor, a traditional person, as a cultural person. What else do I want? Man proposes, God disposes.”
Ogogo, whose real name was Taiwo Hassan, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
Yayi described his death as a major loss to Ogun State, the creative industry and the Yoruba cultural community, noting that the actor was not only a respected figure in Yoruba cinema but also a proud son of Ilaro.
The APC candidate recalled Ogogo’s decades-long contribution to Yoruba-language films and his influence on generations of Nigerians through his acting career.
He also spoke about the veteran actor’s illness, saying he and others made efforts to support Ogogo and his family and ensure that he received medical attention.
“We did everything humanly possible to ensure that he received the necessary medical care. Sadly, despite all efforts, Almighty God has pleased to call him home,” Yayi said.
He described Ogogo as a talented, humble and dedicated professional whose impact extended beyond acting into the promotion of Yoruba culture and heritage.
Yayi expressed his condolences to the late actor’s family, friends, colleagues and the people of Ilaro, while praying for strength for those he left behind.
Ogogo was buried in Ilaro in accordance with Islamic funeral rites. His death has continued to attract tributes from colleagues, political leaders, fans and other Nigerians who remembered him as one of the prominent figures in Yoruba cinema.
