The family of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has disclosed that the actor is currently too medically fragile to travel abroad for cancer treatment, despite efforts to secure specialised medical care.
The development came after Ogogo’s daughters, Kira and Haleemah, made emotional appeals for help, revealing that the actor is battling stage-four cancer and that his condition has deteriorated significantly.
The daughters said the family was seeking medical expertise and treatment options after hospitals treating the actor reportedly indicated that they could no longer continue with his chemotherapy.
The disclosure has prompted an outpouring of concern from fans, colleagues and other Nigerians, with some calling for the actor to be taken abroad for specialised treatment.
Media personality Yhemo Lee was among those who advocated seeking medical assistance outside the country. However, the family subsequently explained that travelling by air was not currently considered safe for the actor because of his fragile condition.
According to Kira, Ogogo already has an approved visa to India and financial assistance had been secured, but his health remains the major obstacle to travelling.
She explained that medical professionals had assessed the actor and considered him too physically weak to withstand the demands of an international flight.
The family is therefore appealing to oncologists, hospitals, specialists and other medical professionals who may be able to review Ogogo’s case and recommend or provide appropriate treatment within Nigeria or elsewhere if his condition permits.
Also read:Nollywood icon Ogogo fights stage 4 cancer as hospitals halt treatment, daughters cry out
Earlier, the actor’s daughters said they were not primarily seeking financial donations but assistance from people with access to advanced cancer treatment or specialists capable of handling his case.
Kira also acknowledged the support of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, whom she said had assisted the family with medical expenses.
The family’s appeal has attracted support from several figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues urging medical professionals and relevant authorities to assist the actor.
Ogogo, 66, is one of the prominent figures in Yoruba-language cinema, having built a career spanning more than four decades. He has featured in numerous Nigerian films and remains a respected figure in the industry.
As of Tuesday, there had been no detailed public disclosure of the specific type of cancer Ogogo is battling or a comprehensive medical report on his condition. Reports, however, consistently indicate that his daughters have described the illness as stage four and said the family is urgently seeking viable treatment options.
The family continues to appeal for medical assistance as efforts intensify to find appropriate care for the veteran actor.
