ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has disclosed that the late veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, would have been appointed his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, with cabinet rank, if elected governor of the state.
The APC candidate revealed that, had he emerged governor, Ogogo would have been entrusted with a strategic role in the state’s cultural and tourism development.
Senator 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, describing Ogogo’s death as a painful loss to Yewaland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
The APC governorship candidate said he had made arrangements to facilitate Ogogo’s medical treatment abroad, including processing a visa for India, but regretted that the actor’s deteriorating health prevented him from travelling before his death.
Describing Ogogo as a legend, brother and trusted friend, Yayi said their relationship went beyond politics, stressing that the late actor was deeply committed to his aspiration to govern Ogun State.
According to him, Ogogo passionately supported his political ambition and worked tirelessly for the emergence of a Yewa indigene as governor of Ogun State.
Yayi said the late actor’s commitment to his cause was evident in the various efforts he made to mobilise support for his governorship ambition, adding that Ogogo even championed a group known as “Governor Boys” in support of his campaign.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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,” Yayi declared.
He said Ogogo’s extensive experience and influence in the entertainment industry would have made him an invaluable asset to his administration, particularly in promoting Ogun’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Yayi, who said he had returned from vacation and deliberately cancelled other engagements to visit the deceased’s family, promised to immortalise Ogogo 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,” he said.
The governorship candidate further pledged continued support for the late actor’s family, saying he considered himself “part and parcel” of the Ogogo family.
He also announced plans to organise a 40th-day prayer in honour of the late thespian, whom he described as a uniquely important person in his life.
“I am already part and parcel of the Ogogo family. I will support the family with all that I have within me,” Yayi said, while urging the family to accept the 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,” he said.
