Nollywood veteran Adewale Elesho attended the funeral of late actor Taiwo Hassan Ogogo on Monday, August 24, 2026, in Ilaro, Ogun State, despite admitting he was not in the best of health himself. Speaking at the funeral rites, Elesho paid tribute to Ogogo, describing him as a man of exceptional character and using the Yoruba word 'omoluabi' to sum up his integrity and good upbringing.
Elesho's Tribute and Personal Health Admission
During his speech, Elesho said, "Ogogo is a virtuous human being. Many people have different relationships with him, but to me, he's number one when it comes to being a good person." His attendance came amid concerns from fans who noticed something unusual about his appearance during a prayer session for Ogogo, with some taking to social media to express worry.
Recalling Ogogo's Loyalty on a Movie Set
Elesho also shared a personal story illustrating Ogogo's loyalty. During a film production, Elesho was asked to allow his body to be painted as part of a scene meant to identify his character to the police. He refused, and the producer was informed, leading to a demand that he return his fee if he would not comply. Elesho had already collected ₦30,000 out of a ₦50,000 agreed payment.
According to Elesho, Ogogo stepped in without hesitation. "He approached me after hearing what was happening and asked how much I had collected. I told him I had received ₦30,000 out of ₦50,000. He said he wanted to go home and bring the money," Elesho recalled. He added that he happened to have the remaining amount on him at the time, but the gesture stayed with him. "If I didn't have the money at that moment, Ogogo was ready to step in and save me from embarrassment," he said. Elesho also revealed that he later reconciled with the people involved in that dispute when they crossed paths in the United States.
Fans' Concerns and Reactions
Legit.ng captured reactions on Facebook, where fans expressed concern about Elesho's appearance. Layi Lawrence wrote, "What is the growth on Baba Elesho left face, he should check it out....." Adewale Gbadebo Akeem commented, "But hopefully the family of this man is seeing him now?" Taiwo Mathew Seun shared, "Look how he's speaking very fluently. God continue to uphold you baami." Ajila Musa wrote, "May Allah be pleased with Hassan Taiwo, accept his return, forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljanal Firdaos and grant the f… See more." Coke Merchant said, "God please protect all our Yoruba movie industry legends ooo."
Tributes Continue for Ogogo
Ogogo, who died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a short battle with cancer, was buried amid tears and tributes. Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi honoured the late actor with a massive billboard placed along a major road on Monday, August 24, featuring a photo of Ogogo alongside an emotional farewell message. The billboard evoked emotions as tributes continued to pour in from colleagues, friends, and admirers.
