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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has declared that he will immortalise the late veteran Nollywood actor, Hassan Taiwo (Ogogo), if elected governor.
He made the declaration on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family compound of the late actor in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area.
Senator Adeola, who returned to the country on Monday night after a brief vacation abroad, expressed sadness over the passage of the late actor, whom he described as his “personal person”.
He said the late Ogogo was a cultural ambassador, noting that his death was not only a big blow to the creative and entertainment industry and Ogun State, but also to the entire country.
The senator disclosed that he had planned to appoint the late actor as his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, with full cabinet rank, if elected governor in 2027.
“I had already planned to appoint him as my Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism with full cabinet rank if I am eventually elected as the governor of Ogun State. Ogogo was not just an icon affiliated with Ilaro, but an ambassador who elevated the image of the entire Ogun State and Nigeria through his craft,” he stressed.
Adeola acknowledged the roles played by President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, some state governors and other eminent Nigerians in efforts to ensure that the late actor survived.
Recounting their close relationship and the final days of the legendary actor, Senator Adeola stated that, prior to his passing, concrete steps had been taken to secure medical care abroad for him.
“Death was cruel for taking Ogogo away from Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole. He was scheduled to be taken to India for advanced medical treatment. We had already processed the visa applications and made all necessary travel arrangements to fly him out of the country. However, before the visa could be issued, he became extremely weak and could no longer make the trip.
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“We have lost a genuine legend. Ogogo was a brother and a friend indeed. We clicked together from the very first day we met, and that bond remained unbroken until his passage.
“He carried my burdens passionately and believed fiercely in the vision for a Yewa indigene to produce the governor of Ogun State. He stood solidly behind my political aspirations and did everything humanly possible to see it actualised,” Adeola stated.
Senator Adeola highlighted Ogogo’s commitment to his political cause, revealing how the late actor championed a grassroots political support group tagged ‘Governor’s Boys’ solely to promote the Yayi governorship project across the state.
“He gave his all for Yayi. He was not just anyone to me; he was my personal person. He championed the ‘Governor’s Boys’ group strictly for my sake, and his contributions will never be forgotten,” he added.
The lawmaker reassured the family of his continued commitment to their welfare, affirming that he considers himself an integral part of the Ogogo household and pledging ongoing support for the family he left behind.
“I am now part and parcel of the Ogogo family, and I will support them with everything within my capacity. While I encourage the family to take solace in the Almighty and accept His divine will, I am also announcing today that I will personally organise and sponsor the 40th-day prayer in his honour,” Senator Adeola concluded.
Prayers were later offered for the repose of the deceased.
One of his daughters, Halimat Taiwo, who spoke in an emotion-laden voice, described her father as a devoted family man.
She appreciated the efforts of Senator Adeola for standing by the family during this difficult period and prayed for God’s blessings upon him and his entire household.
