A close friend of late Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has revealed how efforts were made to treat the veteran actor after he was diagnosed with stage-four cancer.

According to Azeez “Olu Ogogo” Onifade, who said he had been friends with the actor for about 25 years, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, Solomon Ademola, popularly known as Senator Yayi, became involved in Ogogo’s treatment after learning about his condition.

Onifade said Yayi initially suggested taking Ogogo to India for treatment, but delays in obtaining a visa prevented the trip.

He subsequently arranged for a doctor from India to travel to Nigeria and assist with Ogogo’s treatment, according to the account given by the actor’s friend.

Key Takeaways

• Azeez “Olu Ogogo” Onifade said late actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo, was diagnosed with stage-four cancer after persistent chest pain led to several hospital visits.
• Onifade said Senator Yayi suggested taking Ogogo to India for treatment, but visa delays stalled the proposed trip.
• According to the friend, Yayi later arranged for a doctor from India to come to Nigeria and participate in Ogogo’s treatment.
• Onifade said Ogogo initially appeared to be responding to treatment before his condition changed about five days before his death.

How Ogogo’s Illness Was Discovered

According to Onifade, Ogogo’s health concerns began with persistent chest pain that did not subside.

He said the actor was initially taken from Ilaro to Apena Hospital in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, where doctors examined him, conducted tests and administered injections intended to reduce the pain.

When the problem continued, Onifade said Ogogo was referred to another hospital, where they encountered a woman known to them as Mutiat.

According to his account, further efforts were made to determine what was wrong before Ogogo was eventually referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

It was at LASUTH, Onifade said, that the family and those around Ogogo were informed that he had cancer.

He recalled the difficult moment, saying:

“They did all they could, but we were later referred to LASUTH. That was where they later told us he had cancer. We felt so bad.”

Onifade said Mutiat subsequently contacted the king, who informed Senator Yayi about Ogogo’s condition.

Yayi Proposed Treatment In India

After learning about the actor’s diagnosis, Onifade said Senator Yayi suggested that Ogogo should be taken to India for treatment.

However, the proposed journey did not happen because of delays associated with obtaining a visa.

The treatment plan nevertheless continued, with Yayi subsequently arranging for a doctor from India to travel to Nigeria, according to Onifade.

Indian Doctor Was Brought To Nigeria

Onifade said the arrival of the Indian doctor became another stage in the effort to care for Ogogo.

He explained that the doctor assessed the actor and recommended that he be moved to another hospital.

According to Onifade, Ogogo was taken to St Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island that same night, where treatment began immediately.

He said several specialists became involved in the treatment.

“Senator Yayi flew in a doctor from India. The doctor suggested we move him to another hospital, so that same night, we took him to St Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island, and they started treatment immediately.”

Onifade said the treatment initially appeared to be progressing positively.

Ogogo Was Reportedly Improving Before His Condition Changed

According to his friend, Ogogo was gradually showing signs of improvement while receiving treatment.

Onifade said the actor was eating little by little as the treatment continued.

However, he said the situation changed about five days before Ogogo’s death.

He recalled:

“They brought in several specialists, and the treatment was going on fine. He was eating little by little until five days before his death, when everything changed.”

The account does not provide further medical details explaining what specifically caused the reported change in Ogogo’s condition.

Friend Reflects On Ogogo’s Final Days

Reflecting on the actor’s final days, Onifade said he believed Ogogo did not experience prolonged suffering before his death.

He attributed this to what he described as God’s intervention and connected the actor’s final moments to his belief in Ogogo’s good deeds.

“We thank God because I believe God made death easy for him. He didn’t allow him to go through much pain before taking him, probably because of his good deeds.”

Onifade’s account offers a personal perspective on the treatment efforts surrounding Ogogo’s illness and the events that preceded his death.

Remembering Taiwo Hassan, ‘Ogogo’

Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was a veteran Nollywood actor whose death prompted tributes from those who knew him and followed his career.

In the account shared by his close friend, the focus is not only on the diagnosis but also on the efforts made by people around him to obtain medical care during his illness.

The story of his final treatment, as recounted by Onifade, adds another perspective to the circumstances surrounding the actor’s final days while highlighting the support he received from people close to him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo?

Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was a veteran Nollywood actor. The article’s source identifies him as the late actor whose final illness and treatment were discussed by his close friend, Azeez “Olu Ogogo” Onifade.

What did Ogogo’s friend reveal about his illness?

Azeez “Olu Ogogo” Onifade said persistent chest pain led to several hospital visits before Ogogo was eventually diagnosed with stage-four cancer at LASUTH.

Did Senator Yayi arrange medical assistance for Ogogo?

According to Onifade, Senator Yayi initially suggested taking Ogogo to India for treatment. When visa delays prevented the trip, Yayi reportedly arranged for a doctor from India to travel to Nigeria to assist with his treatment.

Where was Ogogo treated after the Indian doctor arrived?

Onifade said the Indian doctor recommended moving Ogogo to St Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island, where treatment began immediately.

Did Ogogo initially respond to treatment?

According to his friend, Ogogo was gradually improving and eating little by little while treatment was ongoing. Onifade said his condition changed about five days before his death.

What happened five days before Ogogo’s death?

Onifade said that everything changed approximately five days before Ogogo died, but the account provided does not give further medical details about the specific cause of the deterioration.

Final Thoughts

The account from Azeez “Olu Ogogo” Onifade provides a personal recollection of Taiwo Hassan’s final illness and treatment, including the efforts reportedly made to obtain specialist medical care for the veteran actor.

While the account focuses on the difficult period before Ogogo’s death, it also reflects the support he received from friends and others who became involved in his care.

Thank you for reading Gossip News Now. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to bringing you more verified entertainment news, exclusive interviews, industry updates and stories from Nollywood.