The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has disclosed that the late veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, would have served as his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, with cabinet rank, if he had emerged governor of the state.
Yayi made the disclosure during a condolence visit to the family of the late thespian in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he described Ogogo’s death as a painful loss to Yewaland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
The APC candidate said he had made arrangements to facilitate the late actor’s medical treatment abroad, including processing a visa for India, but regretted that Ogogo’s deteriorating health prevented him from travelling before his death.
Describing Ogogo as a legend, brother and trusted friend, Yayi said their relationship transcended politics, noting that the late actor was deeply committed to his ambition to govern Ogun State.
He said Ogogo passionately supported his political aspiration and worked tirelessly towards the emergence of a Yewa indigene as governor of the state.
According to him, the late actor played a prominent role in mobilising support for his governorship bid and even championed a group known as “Governor Boys” in furtherance of the campaign.
Yayi said Ogogo’s experience and influence in the entertainment industry would have made him an invaluable member of his administration, particularly in developing Ogun State’s cultural heritage and tourism sector.
“Death was cruel for taking Ogogo away from Yewaland, Ogun and Nigeria. He was to be taken to India for medical treatment. We processed his visa application and other travel arrangements to fly him outside the country for treatment. However, before the visa came out, he became extremely weak and could not travel,” he said.
“We have lost a legend. He was a brother and friend indeed. We clicked together from the very first day we met until his passage. He carried my burdens passionately and believed so much in my aspiration of becoming the governor of Ogun.
“I had planned to make him my Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism if I eventually get elected as governor. Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, with cabinet rank.”
The governorship candidate, who said he returned from vacation and cancelled other engagements to visit the family, promised to immortalise the late actor if elected governor.
“I will immortalise Ogogo if I become the governor of the state. He was not just affiliated with Ilaro; he belonged to the entire Ogun State. He was an ambassador in his field of human endeavour,” Yayi said.
He also pledged continued support for the deceased’s family, describing himself as “part and parcel” of the Ogogo family.
“I am already part and parcel of the Ogogo family. I will support the family with all that I have within me,” he added.
Yayi further announced plans to organise a 40th-day prayer in honour of the late actor, whom he described as a uniquely important person in his life.
“He was not just a person to me; he was my personal person. He gave it all for Yayi. He stood by me,” he said.
