The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has revealed that he had planned to appoint late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism if elected governor of the state.
Yayi made the disclosure during a condolence visit to the late actor’s family in Ilaro, Ogun State, where he spoke about his relationship with Ogogo and the role the actor played in supporting his political ambition.
According to the senator, the proposed appointment would not have been an ordinary Special Adviser position, as he intended to give Ogogo full cabinet rank because of his knowledge of Yoruba culture and his contribution to promoting Ogun State and Nigeria through the entertainment industry.
“I planned to make Ogogo my Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism. Not just as SA but as a full cabinet member if I won the election and became the governor of Ogun State,” Yayi said.
He explained that he had kept the plan to himself while working towards his ambition of becoming governor, believing that he would eventually have the opportunity to implement it.
Yayi described Ogogo as more than a political supporter, calling him a brother and a passionate advocate of his ambition to lead Ogun State.
He said the late actor was deeply involved in mobilising support for his governorship bid and was instrumental in the establishment of a grassroots support group known as “Governor’s Boys.”
The senator said Ogogo's understanding of culture, tradition and the entertainment industry made him suitable for the proposed role.
“Ogogo was not just an icon from Ilaro, but an ambassador who elevated the image of Ogun State and Nigeria through his craft,” he said.
Yayi also revealed that efforts had been made to take Ogogo to India for advanced medical treatment during his illness. According to him, visa applications had been processed and arrangements were being made for the trip, but the actor's health deteriorated before he could travel.
Ogogo died on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling cancer. His death triggered widespread tributes from colleagues, political figures, fans and members of the public.
During the condolence visit, Yayi also pledged to continue supporting the late actor's family and said he would sponsor Ogogo's 40th-day prayer.
The senator's disclosure has added a political dimension to the tributes surrounding the late actor, highlighting the extent of the relationship between the two men and Ogogo's involvement in Yayi's political campaign.
Yayi is seeking to become governor of Ogun State in the 2027 election, while presenting culture and tourism as areas that could benefit from the experience of professionals and prominent figures within the state's creative sector.
For the senator, however, the proposed appointment will remain an unfulfilled plan following Ogogo's death.
Reflecting on the loss, Yayi said the late actor's contributions to culture and his passion for Ogun State would continue to be remembered.
The planned role also underscores the growing recognition of the entertainment and cultural sector as an important part of Ogun State's identity, tourism potential and economic development.
Ogogo's career spanned decades, and his work in Yoruba-language theatre and film made him one of the prominent figures in Nigeria's indigenous entertainment industry.
Although he will no longer be able to serve in the proposed administration, Yayi said the late actor's influence and contributions would remain part of his legacy.
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