Yayi: Ogogo Would Have Been My Tourism and Culture Adviser If Elected Governor

The Ogun State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has revealed that he planned to appoint late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as his Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture if elected governor in the 2027 election.

Adeola disclosed this on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family of the late actor in Ilaro, Ogun State.

The senator described Ogogo as an elder brother and paid tribute to his decades-long contribution to the Nigerian film industry, Yoruba culture and the preservation of the state’s rich heritage.

According to Adeola, Ogogo’s deep knowledge of Yoruba traditions and his experience in the creative industry made him a natural choice for the proposed role.

He said he had intended to make the position a cabinet-level appointment, adding that he was confident Ogogo would have brought his experience to bear on the state’s tourism and cultural development.

“I told God that if it is your wish to make me the governor, my elder brother Ogogo will be my Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture,” Adeola said.

“My plan was that he would be a Special Adviser who would be a cabinet member. I believed God would do it.

“He was good at what he did as an actor, as a traditional person and as a cultural person. What else would I want?”

Ogogo, whose real name was Taiwo Hassan, died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.

Adeola had earlier described his death as a major loss to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry, as well as to Ilaro, where the actor was born and raised.

The senator recalled Ogogo’s significant contribution to Yoruba-language cinema and his influence on generations of actors and film lovers throughout his long career.

He also spoke about the late actor’s final months, saying he and others made efforts to support Ogogo and his family and help him access medical treatment.

“We did everything humanly possible to ensure that he received the necessary medical care. Sadly, despite all efforts, Almighty God has pleased to call him home,” he said.

Adeola described Ogogo as talented, humble and deeply committed to his craft, while extending his condolences to the actor’s family, friends, colleagues and the people of Ilaro.

Ogogo was buried in Ilaro in accordance with Islamic funeral rites.

His death has continued to attract tributes from fellow actors, political leaders, fans and Nigerians across the country, many of whom have remembered him as one of the influential figures in Yoruba cinema.