All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has promised to immortalise the late Nollywood veteran, Hassan Taiwo (Ogogo), if elected into office as the State Governor in 2027.
Adeola said this in his remarks when he paid a condolence visit to Ogogo’s family at Ilaro on Tuesday.
Senator Adeola, who returned to the country on Monday after a brief vacation abroad, expressed sadness over the passing of the late actor, whom he described as his “personal person”.
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He described the late Ogogo as a cultural ambassador and said that his death was not only a big blow to the creative and entertainment industry alone, Ogun State, but the entire country.
Senator Adeola acknowledged the roles played by President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi, some state governors, and other eminent Nigerians for their efforts in ensuring that the late actor lived.
Recounting their intimate 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 Ogogo.
“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.
“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,” the Senator recalled.
In recognition of the late actor’s towering contributions to the creative industry and his grassroots mobilisation efforts across the state, Senator Adeola announced that he would immortalise the late film veteran if elected as the Governor of Ogun State.
He further disclosed that he had already planned to assign a major cabinet position to the late cultural ambassador.
“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.
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 push the Yayi governorship mandate across all nooks and crannies of 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 lifelong commitment to their welfare, while affirming that he considers himself an integral part of the Ogogo household and pledged his continuous support to the family 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 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 complete family man.
She appreciated the effort of Senator Adeola for standing by the family during the tiring period and prayed for God’s blessings over him and his entire household.