Ogun State All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, has revealed that he supported the medical treatment of late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, during the actor’s battle with illness.
Yayi said he and his wife, Temitope, remained involved in efforts to get the 66-year-old actor the necessary medical care, maintaining hope that he would recover despite the severity of his condition.
In a condolence message jointly signed by the couple and shared on Facebook on Monday, Yayi said Ogogo’s eventual death was particularly painful because of the efforts made by his family, friends and well-wishers to see him survive.
“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,” Yayi said.
He said they continued to pray and hope that the actor would overcome the illness and return to his family and the millions of people who admired his work.
“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,” he said.
Yayi described Ogogo as a close associate whose importance to him extended beyond his status as a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment 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,” he said.
According to the senator, Hassan’s more than four-decade career left a lasting mark on Nigerian cinema, while his humility and contribution to the industry earned him the affection of generations of Nigerians.
“His talent, humility and enduring body of work will ensure that his memory lives on,” Yayi said.
The APC governorship candidate extended his condolences to Hassan’s wife, children and other relatives, as well as the people of Ilaro and Yewaland and his colleagues in the entertainment industry.
He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and asked that his good deeds be accepted and that he be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Hassan died on Sunday at the age of 66 after battling cancer, with his death prompting tributes from political leaders, actors and admirers across the country.
