Chief Imam Explains Why He Returned Ogogo’s N25m to His Family

The Chief Imam of Ilaro in Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained why he returned N25 million entrusted to him by late veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, before his death.

Adewunmi said the money was given to him by the actor to help safeguard funds set aside for the reconstruction of his late grandfather’s house, contrary to reports that it was meant for a mosque project.

The Chief Imam disclosed this in an interview with BBC Yoruba, shared on Instagram on Monday, while recounting his close relationship with the actor and how he came to be entrusted with the money.

According to him, Ogogo contacted him shortly after he returned from visiting the actor in hospital and explained that he wanted to keep the money with him because he might travel to India for medical treatment.

“I am so close to Alhaji Taiwo Hassan; our houses are in the same neighbourhood,” Adewunmi said.

He recalled that Ogogo subsequently transferred N25 million to him, explaining that the money was intended for the reconstruction of his grandfather’s house, which he said was in poor condition.

Adewunmi said he took precautions immediately after receiving the money by documenting the transaction and informing members of Ogogo’s family.

He said he also informed Ogogo’s brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, about the transfer so that there would be a record of the transaction should anything happen to either of them.

The issue resurfaced after Ogogo’s death when rumours began circulating that the N25 million was meant for a mosque project.

The Chief Imam said he subsequently met members of the actor’s family during the seventh-day prayer and clarified the purpose of the money.

He said the family agreed that the funds should be returned to Ogogo’s elder brother, Rilwan, who would decide how best to handle the money and the proposed reconstruction project.

“I was ready to return it,” Adewunmi said, adding that one of Ogogo’s brothers accompanied him to the bank while the money was transferred to Rilwan’s account.

He stressed that Ogogo had intended to personally oversee the reconstruction of his grandfather’s house and that the N25 million had nothing to do with a mosque project.

Ogogo died in August 2026 at the age of 66.

The veteran actor was one of the prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, and his death sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends and admirers across Nigeria’s entertainment sector.