Renowned Yoruba Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has shared details about a prolonged and mysterious illness that left him physically and emotionally drained for seven years.
During an interview on Oyinmomo TV, Ogogo recounted the severity of the condition, explaining that he could only consume pap—a light cornmeal porridge—for months and had to resort to praying while seated due to extreme weakness.
“It was a very difficult time,” he said. “For seven years, I couldn’t eat anything but pap, and I prayed sitting down because I didn’t have the strength to stand.”
The illness, which he described as one of the darkest periods of his life, forced him to seek treatment from various sources across different locations. Despite the ordeal, Ogogo said he never sold any of his assets and only took occasional breaks from acting.
“I visited several places in search of healing, and I’m grateful to all the people—men and women—who supported me during that time. Although I couldn’t attend movie locations regularly, I didn’t have to sell any of my property,” he stated.
At one point, convinced he might not survive, the actor even discarded his Mecca teeth—a spiritual symbol linked to Islamic pilgrimage.
Ogogo’s story adds to a growing list of Nigerian entertainers who have spoken publicly about health challenges in recent years.
Earlier this year, actor Don Richard revealed his own health struggles, which emerged after he gave up smoking and drinking. In 2021, actress Joke Silva disclosed that her husband, veteran actor Olu Jacobs, is living with dementia. Similarly, in 2023, singer Solidstar’s family opened up about his battle with mental health issues and substance abuse.
