Veteran Actor Ogogo Recounts Seven-Year Health Battle: “I Could Only Pray Sitting Down”
In a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, opened up about a harrowing seven-year battle with a chronic illness that left him physically and emotionally drained.
The actor, revered for his contributions to the Yoruba film industry, described the period as one of the most difficult times of his life. Ogogo, who is a devout Muslim, revealed that the illness affected his ability to observe his religious obligations properly — including the need to pray while seated instead of the traditional posture required by his faith.
“It all started suddenly,” he recounted. “I was heading to a film location when I felt a sharp pain in my chest that radiated to my back. Within five minutes, I was completely uncomfortable. I had a friend with me in the car, but he couldn’t drive, so I managed to make it to the location.”
Upon arrival, fellow actress Remi Surutu noticed his discomfort and suspected it might be an ulcer. The following day, Ogogo visited the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a chronic ulcer.
“For seven straight years, I was in and out of illness,” he said. “For seven months, I was vomiting blood. I couldn’t eat anything except pap. I prayed while sitting and moved from place to place seeking treatment.”
Despite the debilitating condition, the actor noted that he never sold off any of his properties to finance his medical care. “The only thing I couldn’t do was go to movie locations regularly,” he added. “But I’m thankful to both men and women who stood by me during those years.”