Why I gave back Ogogo’s N25m after his death, Ogun Imam

The Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained why he returned N25 million that late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo, gave him before his death.

Adewunmi said Ogogo sent the money to him to finish rebuilding his grandfather’s house, not for a mosque project, as some people later thought.

In a chat with BBC Yoruba shared on Instagram on Monday, the Imam said in Yoruba that he was close to Ogogo because they lived in the same area.

“I am very close to Alhaji Taiwo Hassan; our houses are in the same area.

“When I got home after visiting him at the hospital, he called me and said he wanted to keep money with me to complete his grandfather’s house. He said the house was not in good shape and he wanted to rebuild it. He then transferred N25 million, saying he might go to India for treatment.”

Adewunmi said he wrote down the details of the transaction and told Ogogo’s family about the money.

“When I got the alert, I told my son, Adam, to make a note of it because we did not know who would die first, or in case something happened to me.

“He gave me the book where he recorded it, and I signed it. I also told his brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, that Ogogo transferred money to me for this project. After that, it was quiet until he passed away.”

He said a rumour later spread that the money was meant for a mosque project, so he needed to set the record straight with Ogogo’s family after the actor died.

“There was a rumour that the money with me was for the mosque project, which I had to explain. During the seventh-day prayer for the deceased, I met his family at 6pm. His daughter was even there at that time.

“I explained, and I asked them, ‘What should we do about it? If they want to continue with the project for his grandfather’s house, then his children are grown enough to take charge and oversee it.’

“I was ready to return it. So, we agreed that I should transfer the money to Ogogo’s elder brother’s account, Brother Rilwan. I then asked one of his brothers, Ayinde, to meet me at the bank so I could send the money to their elder brother’s account.”

Adewunmi said that Ogogo’s two wives and children all agreed the money should go to the actor’s elder brother’s account.

“Mr Rilwan will decide what to do with the money along with his children. It is not for the mosque project but for his grandfather’s house, which he wanted to complete himself.”

Ogogo, who passed away in August 2026 at the age of 66, was a well-known Yoruba actor. His death brought many tributes from colleagues and fans in the Nigerian entertainment industry.