The family of late Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has expressed deep appreciation to Senator Solomon Adeola for the support he provided to the actor and his family during his illness and final days.
In an open letter shared on Instagram by Lima, one of Ogogo’s daughters, the family described Adeola’s intervention during the actor’s health crisis as an important source of encouragement at a period marked by uncertainty, fear and the difficult search for appropriate medical care.
The family specifically thanked the senator, who represents Ogun West, for what it described as his “extraordinary kindness, support, and compassion” towards Ogogo throughout his illness and treatment. According to the family, Adeola’s involvement went beyond providing assistance, as he maintained concern for the actor’s condition and continued to stand with the family during the most difficult stages of the health battle.
Ogogo died in August, shortly after his family publicly revealed that he had been battling cancer. At the time, the family had appealed for public support to help secure treatment for the veteran actor, with Lima identifying Adeola as one of the people who had consistently supported them during the crisis.
In the appreciation letter issued on Thursday, the family reflected on the emotional and practical difficulties that accompanied Ogogo’s treatment, describing the period as a painful journey filled with uncertainty and fear.
“On behalf of the entire family of Alhaji Chief Taiwo Al-Hassan Babatunde, we wish to express our deepest and most sincere appreciation to you for the extraordinary kindness, support, and compassion you showed towards our father throughout his illness and treatment,” the family said.
According to the family, Adeola became a source of hope from the early stages of the actor’s illness, particularly when they were confronted with the challenges involved in seeking the best possible treatment for him.
“From the very beginning of his difficult journey, you stood by him and by our family. At a time when we were faced with uncertainty, fear, and the many challenges that came with seeking the best possible treatment for him, your intervention and support gave us hope and strength,” the statement said.
The family also emphasised that what mattered to them was not simply the assistance provided, but the senator’s continued personal concern for Ogogo’s wellbeing during the actor’s treatment.
“You did not simply offer assistance; you genuinely stood with him. You showed concern for his well-being, followed his treatment journey, and continued to extend your support to our family during some of the most difficult moments of our lives,” the family added.
For Ogogo’s relatives, that support has now become part of the story surrounding the actor’s final period and something they said they would continue to remember.
The family acknowledged that despite the medical care, prayers, support and efforts made to help the actor, Ogogo eventually died, leaving relatives to confront the loss of a beloved father and family member.
“Sadly, despite all the efforts, medical care, prayers, and support he received, our beloved father has passed on. His departure has left a profound emptiness in our family, and words cannot fully express the pain of losing him,” the statement read.
However, the family said their grief would not prevent them from recognising those who offered support when Ogogo needed it most. Adeola, they stressed, was among those who stood beside the actor and his relatives throughout the difficult period.
“Yet, even in our grief, we feel it is important to acknowledge and appreciate those who stood beside him when he needed support the most. Senator, you were one of those people,” the family stated.
The relatives concluded their message by praying that Adeola would receive a divine reward for his kindness and support, while also praying for the eternal rest of Ogogo.
The appreciation comes after the actor’s burial in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, on August 24. His funeral attracted several colleagues from the Nigerian entertainment industry, including veteran actors Jide Kosoko and Yinka Quadri.
Ogogo’s death followed the public disclosure of his battle with cancer, which prompted his family to seek assistance towards his treatment. During that period, the family had spoken publicly about the challenges surrounding his condition and the need for support.
Adeola, reacting to the family’s appreciation, said that everything humanly possible had been done in an effort to save the actor.
The senator’s response underscored the efforts made during Ogogo’s illness, although those efforts ultimately could not prevent his death.
For the family, however, the support received during the actor’s final days remains significant. Their letter made clear that while Ogogo’s illness ended with his passing, the kindness shown by people who stood with him and his relatives during the difficult period would remain part of the memories surrounding his final journey.
The family’s message also placed emphasis on the importance of acknowledging such support even amid grief. While the loss of Ogogo has left a painful void, his relatives chose to publicly recognise Adeola’s role at a time when they were dealing with the uncertainty of his illness and the demands of his treatment.
The appreciation therefore serves as a reflection on the period leading up to the actor’s death, highlighting the support the family said they received while pursuing medical care and hoping for his recovery.
Ogogo, who was widely known by his stage name, remained a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry. His death prompted mourning among relatives, colleagues and admirers, while his burial in Ilaro brought together members of the entertainment community to pay their final respects.
For his family, the circumstances surrounding his final illness remain painful, but they have also chosen to remember the individuals who provided assistance and encouragement during those final weeks.
Their message to Senator Adeola was ultimately one of gratitude: despite the outcome of the actor’s medical battle, the family said his support gave them hope and strength when they were facing one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
‘You Showed Extraordinary Support’ — Ogogo’s Family Appreciates Senator Adeola for Standing by Actor During Final Days
