Yayi Reveals Plan to Make Late Ogogo Culture and Tourism Adviser If Elected

Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has revealed that he planned to appoint late Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism if he wins the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

Adeola, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State and representative of Ogun West in the Senate, disclosed the plan during a condolence visit to Ogogo’s family in Ilaro. He described the late actor as an elder brother whose knowledge of Yoruba culture and contribution to the creative industry made him suitable for the proposed role.

Yayi said the proposed appointment would have carried cabinet rank. According to him, he had privately envisioned Ogogo serving in his administration because of his experience as an actor and his understanding of traditional culture and heritage.

The senator said the plan was something he had kept to himself while working towards his governorship ambition. He explained that Ogogo’s involvement in promoting Yoruba culture was one of the reasons he considered him for the position.

Beyond his career in entertainment, Yayi also spoke about Ogogo’s personal commitment to his political ambition. He described the actor as someone who strongly supported his aspiration to become governor and said Ogogo had helped mobilise grassroots support for the campaign. Another account of the condolence visit said Ogogo had championed a support group known as the “Governor’s Boys.”

The revelation comes shortly after Ogogo’s death on August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer. His death generated widespread tributes across the Yoruba film industry, with colleagues, political figures and fans remembering his decades of contribution to Yoruba-language cinema and Nigerian culture.

Yayi also recalled efforts made during Ogogo’s illness to secure further medical treatment. He said arrangements had been explored to take the actor to India, but his health deteriorated to the point where he was unable to make the trip. Reports from the condolence visit said Yayi had been among those who supported efforts to obtain medical care for the actor.

The politician said Ogogo’s death was a major loss to Ilaro, Ogun State and the wider creative industry. He praised the actor’s talent, humility and commitment to preserving Yoruba heritage while offering condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and admirers.

Yayi’s disclosure also highlights the role that cultural figures can play in political administrations, particularly in a state such as Ogun with a strong connection to Nigeria’s film, arts and cultural industries. However, the proposed appointment remains a political plan that could only have taken effect if Adeola won the 2027 governorship election and subsequently chose to implement it.

For now, the announcement serves primarily as a reflection of the relationship between the politician and the late actor, as well as Yayi’s stated intention to place Ogogo’s cultural knowledge at the centre of his proposed administration.