The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, has disclosed that veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was being considered for a cabinet-level position in his administration.
Adeola made the disclosure on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased actor in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The politician said he had planned to appoint Hassan as Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture, with cabinet status, if he won the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
According to Adeola, the late actor’s extensive understanding of Yoruba traditions, cultural heritage and tourism would have made him an asset to the state government.
He said, “If God gives me the opportunity to serve as governor, I had already made up my mind to appoint Ogogo as Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture.
“I intended the office to have cabinet status because of his wealth of knowledge and his understanding of our cultural heritage.”
Adeola described Hassan as more than an accomplished actor, saying his appreciation of Yoruba traditions and values set him apart and would have enabled him to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state’s cultural and tourism sectors.
“He was not only an actor. He had a deep understanding of our traditions and culture, and he was exceptionally committed to his craft. I believed he still had much to contribute to Ogun State,” he said.
The APC candidate also spoke about Hassan’s health challenges, saying efforts were made by him and others to assist the actor and his family during his illness.
Adeola said those who supported the actor had done their best to ensure he received necessary medical attention but ultimately could not prevent his death.
Hassan, aged 66, died on August 23, 2026, following a battle with stage-four cancer.
Reacting to the death, Adeola described the veteran actor’s passing as a painful loss to Ogun State, the Yoruba community and Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
He noted that Hassan’s career spanned several decades and that his work in Yoruba-language cinema had helped promote the region’s culture and influence younger generations of entertainers.
The actor was later buried in Ilaro according to Islamic rites.
Since his death, tributes have continued to pour in from members of the entertainment industry, political leaders, fans and other Nigerians who have acknowledged his impact on Yoruba cinema and cultural preservation.
