Yoruba stars unite in prayer, solidarity for ailing Ogogo

By David Sodipe

It was a powerful show of love and solidarity as prominent actors and filmmakers in the Yoruba movie industry gathered in Lagos to pray for veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who is battling stage-four cancer.

The prayer session, held last Friday at BOS Hall, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, brought together scores of leading figures in the Yoruba entertainment industry, united in prayers for the veteran actor’s recovery.

Among those who graced the emotional gathering were veteran actors Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Antar Laniyan, Bukky Wright, Wale Elesho, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, and Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, among others.

Also present were Lateef Adedimeji, Toyosi Adesanya, Hassanat Akinwande and Yemi Ayebo, alongside several other actors, filmmakers and industry stakeholders.

Veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, reportedly joined the prayer session virtually, further underscoring the widespread concern and solidarity within the industry.

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Reports indicated that no fewer than 100 actors and entertainment personalities attended the gathering, turning the event into a significant display of unity and affection for one of Yoruba cinema’s respected veterans.

Islamic clerics led prayers and recitations, while the actors and other attendees joined in heartfelt supplications for divine mercy, intervention, strength and complete healing for Ogogo.

The gathering followed the recent disclosure by Ogogo’s daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, that their 66-year-old father had been diagnosed with stage-four cancer.

The daughters had separately made emotional appeals to medical professionals, hospitals and individuals with credible information on cancer treatment to assist the family in exploring further treatment options.

Their appeals triggered an outpouring of concern across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues calling for prayers, medical assistance and support for the veteran actor.

The prayer session was more than a religious ceremony; it was a demonstration of the bond, friendship and solidarity that have developed over decades within the Yoruba film industry.

As prayers and goodwill messages continue to pour in from colleagues and fans, the Yoruba entertainment community remains united in hope for the veteran actor’s recovery.