Veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has opened up about a terrifying health ordeal that left him bedridden for seven years, a period that also gave rise to damaging rumours about his well-being.
The Yoruba film icon while on Oyinmomo TV, revealed that his health crisis began while on his way to a movie location for the late Arakangudu’s production.
On the journey, he suddenly felt an intense, stabbing pain in his chest. Despite the discomfort, he pushed through and made it to the set with the help of his apprentice.
A colleague on set, Remi Surutu suspected it might be an ulcer and advised him to break his fast. Though initially hesitant, Ogogo eventually drank a mix of milk and water and felt immediate relief.
Thinking it was malaria, he turned to local remedies. But when the symptoms worsened, he sought medical help and was eventually diagnosed with a chronic ulcer.
Ogogo shared:
“The doctor said he didn’t know how I survived without medical treatment. It was the mercy of God.”
The illness left him extremely weak and vulnerable for nearly seven years, during which he was often vomiting blood and battling serious internal complications.
He said, “For good seven years, I was ill. For seven months, I was vomiting blood, couldn’t eat anything except pap.”
“I observed my prayers while seated.”
Despite these challenges, Ogogo said he never had to sell off any of his property or face major financial hardship.
Throughout his recovery, he received support from family, friends, and spiritual leaders, including a pastor who prayed for him for 45 minutes over the phone from the UK.
Now fully recovered, the actor remains grateful for life and divine preservation.
Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Ogogo also clarified that he doesn’t smoke or drink, and when he takes alcohol, it’s done cautiously and only in moderation.