The Ogun State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has disclosed that he would have appointed the late veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism with cabinet rank if elected governor of the state.
Adeola made the disclosure during a condolence visit to the family of the late thespian in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of the state.
He described Ogogo’s death as a painful loss to Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria, noting that the late actor was not only a dear friend and brother but also a passionate supporter of his political aspiration.
According to him, plans had been concluded to facilitate Ogogo’s medical treatment abroad, including the processing of a visa to India, but the actor’s rapidly deteriorating health prevented him from travelling before his death.
Adeola said, “Death was cruel to take Ogogo away from Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria. He was supposed to be flown to India for medical care. We processed his visa application and made other travel arrangements to take him abroad for treatment.”
“However, before the visa was issued, he became extremely weak and could no longer travel. We have lost a legend. He was a brother and a friend indeed. We bonded from the very first day we met until his passage. He shouldered my burdens passionately and believed deeply in my aspiration to govern Ogun State. He stood by my cause and did everything humanly possible. He remained at the forefront of the movement to ensure that a Yewa indigene becomes the next governor of our state.”
The APC candidate explained that Ogogo’s extensive experience and influence in the entertainment industry would have been invaluable to his administration, particularly in promoting Ogun State’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
“I had planned to make him my Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism if I am elected governor, a Special Adviser with cabinet rank,” Adeola affirmed.
He further revealed that the late actor played an active role in mobilising grassroots support for his campaign, notably spearheading a group known as the “Governor Boys.”
Adeola, who noted that he returned from a trip and cancelled other engagements specifically to visit the bereaved household, pledged to immortalise the late actor if elected into office.
“I will immortalise Ogogo if I become the governor of this state. His legacy transcended Ilaro; he belonged to the entirety of Ogun State. He was a towering ambassador in his field of human endeavour,” he said.
He also assured the family of his enduring support, declaring himself part and parcel of the household and announcing plans to sponsor the 40th-day prayer service in honour of the late thespian.
“I am already part and parcel of the Ogogo family, and I will support them with everything at my disposal,” he said, urging the relatives to accept the tragedy as the will of God.
“He was not just an associate to me; he was my personal person. He gave his all for Yayi and stood firmly by me until the end,” he added.