Yayi Reveals Plan to Appoint Late Actor Ogogo as Special Adviser on Tourism, Culture

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

Yayi made the disclosure 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 commended his contributions to the Nigerian film industry, particularly his efforts towards promoting Yoruba culture, traditions and heritage.

According to Yayi, his proposed appointment would have carried cabinet status because of the late actor’s extensive knowledge of culture and his understanding of the state’s heritage.

He said he had already made the decision privately and was hopeful that he would have the opportunity to implement it after winning the 2027 election.

“I told God that if it is destined for me to be governor, my elder brother Ogogo will be my Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture. My plan was he will be a Special Adviser that is a cabinet member,” Yayi said.

He added that Ogogo’s experience as an actor and his deep understanding of Yoruba traditions made him particularly suitable for the role.

“And the reasons are not far-fetched. He is good at what he does as an actor, a traditional person, as a cultural person. What else do I want? Man proposes, God disposes,” he added.

Yayi’s revelation came as he mourned the death of the veteran actor, who passed away on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.

The senator described Ogogo’s death as a significant loss to Ogun State, the Yoruba cultural community and Nigeria’s entertainment industry, noting the actor’s contribution to Yoruba-language cinema and cultural preservation.

Yayi also recalled the support provided to Ogogo during his illness, saying efforts had been made to ensure that the actor received appropriate medical attention.

Ogogo’s death has continued to attract tributes from colleagues, political leaders, fans and other Nigerians, with many acknowledging his decades-long contribution to Yoruba cinema and the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage.

The late actor was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State, according to Islamic funeral rites.