Ogun Imam Clarifies N25m Return to Ogogo's Family After Actor's Passing

Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, has provided a detailed account of why he handed back the N25 million that the late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, famously known as Ogogo, had entrusted to him before his demise. Imam Adewunmi stated that the funds were specifically meant for the renovation and completion of Ogogo's grandfather's residence, countering circulating rumours that suggested the money was intended for a mosque project.

During an interview with BBC Yoruba, which was shared on Instagram this past Monday, the Imam, speaking in Yoruba, highlighted his close relationship with Ogogo, attributing it to their shared neighbourhood. "I am very close to Alhaji Taiwo Hassan; our homes are in the same area," Adewunmi recounted. He further explained that after a visit to Ogogo at the hospital, the actor called him, expressing his desire to deposit money with the Imam to ensure the completion of his grandfather’s house, which he described as being in poor condition. Ogogo then transferred N25 million, citing the possibility of travelling to India for medical treatment.

Adewunmi assured that he meticulously documented this financial transaction and subsequently informed members of Ogogo's family about the money. "Upon receiving the alert, I instructed my son, Adam, to record it somewhere, acknowledging that we never know who might pass away first, or if anything unforeseen should happen to me," he explained. He also mentioned that Ogogo provided a record book, which he signed. "So, I informed his brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, that Ogogo had transferred money to me for this particular project. After that, the matter remained quiet until his death."

Following Ogogo's death, a rumour began circulating that the money was earmarked for a mosque project. This prompted Imam Adewunmi to address the family directly. "There was talk that the money I held was for the mosque, which I felt compelled to clarify," he said. On the seventh-day prayer for the deceased, a meeting was held with Ogogo's family at 6 pm, with his daughter also present. Adewunmi recounted, "I explained the situation and asked them, 'What should be done about this? If they wish to proceed with his grandfather’s house project, then his children are now mature enough to oversee and monitor it.'"

The Imam expressed his readiness to return the funds. An agreement was reached to transfer the money to Ogogo’s elder brother’s account, Brother Rilwan. "I suggested that one of his brothers, Ayinde, should meet me at the bank so I could transfer the money to their elder brother’s account," Adewunmi added. He confirmed that Ogogo’s two wives and children collectively agreed that the N25 million should be moved to Mr. Rilwan’s account, who would then, in conjunction with the children, decide on its use. The Imam emphatically reiterated that the funds were specifically for the grandfather’s house project, as intended by Ogogo, and not for a mosque.

Ogogo, who passed away in August 2026 at the age of 66, was a highly respected Yoruba actor whose demise prompted a flood of tributes from colleagues and admirers across the Nigerian entertainment landscape.