The Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has broken his silence on the controversial N25 million entrusted to him by late Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, before the actor’s death.
The cleric explained that he returned the money to Ogogo’s family after his death because it was never meant for a mosque project, contrary to rumours that surfaced after the actor passed away.
According to Adewunmi, Ogogo personally transferred the N25 million to him to help keep the funds safe while he travelled abroad for medical treatment.
He said the money was specifically meant to complete the reconstruction of his late grandfather’s house, which Ogogo considered to be in a poor condition.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Yoruba, shared on Instagram on Monday, the Imam said his close relationship with Ogogo was partly because their homes were located in the same neighbourhood.
Adewunmi recalled that after visiting Ogogo at the hospital, the actor later contacted him and asked him to keep the money on his behalf.
The actor reportedly told him that he might travel to India for treatment and wanted the money kept safely so the rebuilding of his grandfather’s house could continue.
The Imam said he immediately documented the transaction and informed members of Ogogo’s family, including his brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat.
He explained that he even instructed his son, Adam, to record details of the transaction because neither he nor Ogogo knew what the future held.
However, the issue resurfaced after Ogogo’s death when rumours began circulating that the N25 million was intended for a mosque project.
Adewunmi said the claim forced him to summon a meeting with the actor’s family during the seventh-day prayer for the deceased.
At the meeting, he reportedly clarified that the money was meant strictly for Ogogo’s grandfather’s house and not the mosque.
The Imam said he then asked the family whether they wanted to proceed with the project, adding that Ogogo’s children were old enough to take responsibility for supervising it.
He said he was also prepared to return the money immediately to avoid any misunderstanding.
According to him, the family eventually agreed that the money should be transferred to Ogogo’s elder brother, Rilwan, who would decide what to do with it alongside the actor’s children.
Adewunmi said Ogogo’s two wives and children were also in agreement with the arrangement.
He stressed that the N25 million was not mosque money, but funds Ogogo had set aside for the reconstruction of his grandfather’s house, a project he had intended to personally execute.
Ogogo died in August 2026 at the age of 66, leaving behind a career spanning decades in the Yoruba movie industry. His death triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and other figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
