ABEOKUTA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has vowed to immortalise late veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, if elected governor of the state in the 2027 governorship election.
Yayi made the pledge during a condolence visit to the family of the late thespian in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of the state, describing Ogogo’s death as a monumental loss to Yewaland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
The APC candidate said Ogogo was not merely an acclaimed actor but an ambassador of Ogun State whose contributions to the entertainment industry, culture and promotion of the state’s identity deserved to be preserved for generations.
According to him, his administration, if elected, would ensure that the late actor’s name and legacies were given lasting recognition.
“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 declared.
Yayi also disclosed that he had planned to appoint Ogogo as his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, with cabinet rank, had he lived to witness his emergence as governor.
He said the late actor’s wealth of experience, influence and deep understanding of the creative industry would have made him a strategic asset in his administration’s efforts to develop Ogun’s cultural and tourism potential.
“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,” he said.
The APC candidate lamented that death had robbed the state of a man who, according to him, was deeply committed to the development of Yewaland and the emergence of a Yewa indigene as governor of Ogun State.
Yayi revealed that he had personally intervened in efforts to secure medical treatment for Ogogo abroad, including processing a visa for India, but said the actor’s deteriorating health prevented him from making the trip.
“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.
Describing the deceased as a “brother,” “friend” and “personal person,” Yayi said their relationship transcended politics, noting that Ogogo was one of the people who passionately supported his ambition to become governor.
He said the late actor worked tirelessly for his political aspiration and was at the forefront of efforts to mobilise support for the emergence of a Yewa governor.
“He stood by my cause. He did everything humanly possible. He had been at the front burner of ensuring that a Yewa man becomes the governor of the state and that the person should be picked,” Yayi said.
The APC candidate further disclosed that Ogogo championed a support group known as “Governor Boys” as part of efforts to mobilise backing for his governorship ambition.
Yayi, who said he had just returned from vacation and cancelled other engagements to visit the deceased’s family, promised that his relationship with the Ogogo family would continue despite the actor’s death.
“I am already part and parcel of the Ogogo family. I will support the family with all that I have within me,” he pledged.
He also announced plans to organise a 40th-day prayer in honour of the late actor, while urging the family to accept his death as the will of God.
“He was not just a person to me; he was my personal person. He gave it all for Yayi. He stood by me,” the APC candidate said.
