Bunmi further explained that Funke Akindele introduced her to Odunfa Caucus, a legendary theatre group and acting academy, after they met through a mutual friend.

According to Bunmi, while she was providing houses as filming locations for many filmmakers, Akindele approached and repeatedly encouraged her to join the industry. Still, she took the calls for granted and missed what could have been a major career opportunity.

She stated, “I missed that big opportunity because Funke was telling me then that, ‘Ah, why don’t you come?

“I was telling her, ‘I’ve heard a lot about Yoruba industry. They will say you should say, auntie. They will say you should kneel. Then one person say you should carry bag.

“That is why you need to humble yourself in life. If there’s anything I’ve learned in life now, it’s humility.”

While apologising to Kunle Afod and Sodiq Adebayo, Bunmi Nelson appealed for another opportunity to work with Funke Akindele.

“We remained hopeful and prayerful that he would overcome the illness and return to the family, friends and countless admirers who cherished him. Sadly, despite all efforts, it has pleased Almighty God to call him home. Indeed, God knows best,” the statement read.

Adeola described Ogogo as more than a veteran of the entertainment industry, saying he was a “dear brother” and a proud son of Ilaro and Ogun West.

He said the actor’s career brought joy to generations and contributed to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

“Alhaji Taiwo Hassan was more than an accomplished veteran of the entertainment industry to us; he was a dear brother and a proud son of Ilaro and Ogun West, whose remarkable career brought joy to generations and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian film industry.

“His talent, humility and enduring body of work will ensure that his memory lives on,” Adeola said.

The senator extended his condolences to Ogogo’s wife, children and family, as well as the people of Ilaro and Yewaland, his colleagues and associates in the entertainment industry.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Ogogo’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

Adeola, who is also the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, signed the tribute alongside his wife.

PUNCH Online recalls that Ogogo’s daughters, Kaira and Lima Taiwo, had acknowledged Adeola’s support for their father during his illness.

In an earlier appeal for medical assistance, Kaira had expressed appreciation to Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for helping the family with the actor’s medical bills.

The daughters had also stressed that their appeal was for medical intervention rather than financial donations.

Ogogo died at 3pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, according to a burial announcement by veteran actor, Jide Kosoko.

His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Sunday ahead of his burial on Monday.

The actor would be buried according to Islamic rites, with family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathering in Ilaro to bid him farewell.

Ogogo had battled stage-four cancer before his death. His daughters had disclosed that doctors informed the family that they could no longer administer chemotherapy because of his condition.

The actor was a prominent figure in Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades and hundreds of films to his credit.

“Tell me a few people you have a crush on,” VJ Adams asked the content creator.

Responding, Isbae U said, “Bolaji Ogunmola, I have a crush on her, and Adesua. Adesua is married, but I like her eh, she has no idea.

“Big shout out to Banky W; he used to reply to my chat, but I have a crush on Adesua. And that’s a good thing. Nobody wants to put a woman in the house that people will be hating about.

“It’s a good thing sir. Don’t feel threatened about me oo. Yes, I’m good looking and everything, don’t be threatened at all. So that’s just it.”

Reacting to his response Ogunmola wrote on social media, “Oniranu ni Isbae U, I will tell your wife.”