The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has expressed grief over the death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, saying everything possible was done to save him.

Adeola, who represents Ogun West in the Senate, had earlier intervened after Ogogo’s family disclosed that the actor was battling stage-four cancer and appealed for medical assistance. Reports said the senator reached out to cancer specialists and helped facilitate treatment for the veteran actor.

However, Ogogo died on Sunday at the age of 66 after his health deteriorated.

In a condolence message to the actor’s family, Adeola described the death as a “monumental loss” to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.

He said the actor’s passing was particularly painful given the efforts made by family members, medical professionals, colleagues and well-wishers to save his life.

Adeola said Ogogo had made significant contributions to Yoruba cinema and had inspired generations of actors through his decades-long career.

He described the late actor as a talented and influential figure whose work had helped promote Yoruba culture and storytelling through film.

The senator extended his condolences to Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and fans, as well as the people of Ogun State and the wider Nigerian creative community.

Ogogo died at about 3 p.m. on Sunday after battling stage-four cancer, according to reports. His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, where burial activities commenced on Monday.

The actor’s death came only days after his daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, publicly appealed for medical help, saying hospitals had been unable to continue treating their father and seeking specialists who could offer further treatment options.

Ogogo, who enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades, was one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba-language Nollywood, working as an actor, producer and filmmaker.

His death has continued to generate tributes from colleagues, political leaders, fans and other Nigerians, who have described his contribution to the Nigerian film industry as significant.