Everything Changed After Doctors Arrived From India – Friend Opens Up On Late Ogogo’s Last Days

A close friend of late veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has revealed details of the actor’s final days, including efforts made by Senator Solomon Ademola, popularly known as Yayi, to secure specialist medical treatment for him.

Azeez “Olu Ogogo” Onifade, who was a close friend of the late actor for about 25 years, said Yayi initially suggested taking Ogogo to India for treatment after he was diagnosed with stage-four cancer. However, difficulties in obtaining a visa reportedly delayed the proposed trip.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Onifade made the disclosure during an interview with City People, where he recounted how Ogogo’s health deteriorated after persistent chest pain led to several hospital visits and medical examinations.

He explained that the actor was initially taken from Ilaro to Apena Hospital in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, after complaining of continued chest pain. Following medical tests and treatment, he was referred to other facilities before doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital reportedly diagnosed him with cancer.

Onifade said the development was communicated to the traditional ruler, who subsequently informed Senator Yayi about Ogogo’s condition.

According to the actor’s friend, Yayi then proposed sending Ogogo to India for further treatment. However, because of delays in securing the necessary visa, the senator instead arranged for a medical specialist from India to travel to Nigeria.

The Indian doctor reportedly recommended that Ogogo be moved to St Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island, where treatment commenced immediately.

Onifade said several specialists were brought in to assist with the actor’s treatment and that Ogogo initially showed signs of improvement. He reportedly began eating small amounts and appeared to be responding to treatment.

However, Onifade said the situation changed dramatically about five days before Ogogo’s death, as his condition deteriorated despite the medical efforts being made to save him.

He expressed gratitude that the late actor did not experience prolonged suffering during his final moments, attributing the relatively peaceful end to what he described as Ogogo’s good deeds throughout his life.

Ogogo, who was widely recognised for his contributions to the Yoruba film industry, died after battling cancer, leaving behind a career spanning several decades in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.