It’s a tough time for the family of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, has come out emotionally, accusing some Nigerians of trying to cash in on her father’s fight with stage-four cancer. Speaking on a TikTok live session on Saturday, Kira couldn't hold back tears as she revealed how people are approaching the family with demands for huge sums of money. These demands range from N800,000 to N5 million, and even $11,000 to $18,000. The individuals making these demands claim they have solutions for her father's illness.
"My father is a good father. Some people are even trying to make money with us in this whole situation. Fear God," she said, her voice breaking. Kira stressed that the family isn't made of billionaires. They can't afford these demands, especially when their main focus is getting treatment for her father. The emotional strain is clearly taking a toll on her. She confessed, "I want to check my BP, I am not okay too."
The actor's illness has also deeply affected his brother, whom Kira refers to as her "big daddy." She shared a moment from their family group chat where her cousin mentioned her uncle asking with deep worry, "Is Taiye going to die?" This highlights the profound bond between Ogogo and his brother. It makes the situation incredibly difficult for everyone involved. "My big daddy loves my daddy too much," Kira explained, showing the depth of their connection.
Kira admitted she's been avoiding social media and withdrawing from public life. This is because seeing pictures of her father while he's ill is too painful for her. "I don’t know how I will feel. I don’t even know how I will see the world again. If anything happens to my daddy…" she trailed off, clearly struggling with the thought. She mentioned she only went online to try and "cool off." However, the deep connection she has with her father made her emotional.
Kira and her sister, Lima Taiwo, had previously made appeals on Instagram, seeking help for their father’s condition. They reached out to Nigerians, well-wishers, and crucially, medical professionals with expertise in cancer treatment. They urged them to assist. Lima specifically mentioned that their father's condition had worsened. Some hospitals had stopped treatment. This was partly because the severity of his illness wasn't immediately obvious until about three weeks prior.
Lima was clear about the family's needs. They aren't looking for cash donations. "Please, I’m begging you. If you know somebody that knows somebody that will be willing to treat him, anything, we’re willing to try anything. We’re not here to ask for money. Nobody’s here to ask for money," she pleaded. She did, however, acknowledge the immense support from a relative, her "big uncle." This relative has been a significant help when they least expected it.
Kira further confirmed the gravity of the situation. She stated that hospitals could no longer continue chemotherapy for her father. This is due to the advanced stage of his cancer. She also gave a shout-out to Senator Yayi. She commended him for being the one to foot the bills during this trying period.
Her appeal was a direct plea to medical professionals and anyone with access to cancer treatment. This includes both conventional and herbal options. "What I’m here for, what I’m here for is that if you can treat my daddy, if you can start chemo for him, whether it’s medical or herbs, please, I’m begging you, guys, I’m begging you, any help, anything, anybody that you know that can treat cancer, please, please, I’m begging you," she urged.