“I Thought It Was the End”: Nollywood Legend Ogogo Reveals 7-Year Battle With Chronic Ulcer
Veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, has emotionally opened up about enduring a hidden health crisis that spanned over seven years — a chronic ulcer that nearly cost him his life. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
In an honest sit-down with Oyinmomo TV, the seasoned Nollywood star detailed the intense physical, mental, and spiritual toll the condition took on him. According to Ogogo, the ordeal began unexpectedly while en route to a movie location.
“It came suddenly,” he recalled. “I felt a piercing pain from my chest to my back. I became restless and uncomfortable, even though I had a friend with me in the car.”
Upon arriving at the set, fellow actress Remi Surutu immediately noticed he was unwell and suggested it might be an ulcer. A hospital visit confirmed the worst — it wasn’t just a mild condition; it was a chronic ulcer.
“I Could Only Eat Pap and Pray While Sitting”
Ogogo shared that the illness severely impacted his everyday life. He was restricted to soft meals like pap (ogi) and even found it difficult to stand for prayer due to unbearable chest pain and extreme weakness.
“For seven months, I was vomiting blood,” he said. “It became so bad that I threw away my Mecca teeth, thinking I wouldn’t survive.”
Despite battling with depression and physical frailty, the actor says he never lost hope. Faith, perseverance, and the overwhelming support from loved ones carried him through the darkest days.
No Property Sold, No Public Drama
Remarkably, Ogogo revealed he never had to sell any property to afford treatments. Although he moved between hospitals searching for a lasting solution, he managed to keep his financial and personal life stable.
“I couldn’t work as much, but I was never alone. Both men and women showed me love and stood by me. That gave me strength.”
Now recovering and returning gradually to the big screen, Ogogo’s resilience has struck a chord with fans across Nigeria and beyond. His story not only sheds light on the dangers of untreated ulcers but also highlights the silent battles celebrities sometimes face behind the cameras.
A True Nollywood Fighter
Ogogo’s testimony has reignited public admiration for the actor, known for decades of stellar roles in Yoruba cinema. Many fans, unaware of his private health journey, have praised his strength and openness in sharing such a personal story.
As Nollywood continues to evolve, Ogogo remains a symbol of both artistic excellence and human resilience — a living legend who has faced not just fictional villains on screen, but real-life battles with grace and grit.