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The Chief Imam of Ilaro in Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained the circumstances surrounding his decision to return ₦25 million allegedly entrusted to him by the late veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Adewunmi said the money was given to him for the reconstruction of grandfather Ogogo’s house and was never intended for the construction or development of a mosque, contrary to rumors that emerged after the actor’s death.
The cleric gave this explanation during an interview with BBC Yoruba, a clip of which was shared on Instagram on Monday.
According to Adewunmi, his relationship with the late actor was very close because they lived in the same neighborhood.
“I am very close to Alhaji Taiwo Hassan; our houses are in the same neighbourhood.
“When I got home after visiting him at the hospital, he called and said that he wanted to deposit the money with me so that he could complete his grandfather’s house. He said that the house was not in good condition and he wanted to rebuild the structure on it. He then transferred N25 million, saying that he was likely to go to India for treatment.”
The High Priest said he took steps to properly document the transaction and also made the actor’s family members aware of the arrangement, given the uncertainty surrounding the actor’s life and health at the time.
“When I got the warning, I told my son, Adam, to state it somewhere because we didn’t know who would die first, or in case something happened to me.
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“He gave me the book where he recorded it, and I signed it. So, I told his brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, too, that Ogogo transferred money to me for this project. After that, the project died down until he died.”
However, after Ogogo’s death, speculation began to circulate that the ₦25 million held by the cleric had been earmarked for the mosque project.
Adewunmi said the demands made it necessary for him to meet with the late actor’s family to explain the true purpose of the money and collectively determine what should be done with it.
“There is an issue that I have money for the mosque project, that is what I have to clarify. During the deceased’s seventh day prayers, I had a meeting with his family at 6 pm. Even his daughter was there at that time.
“So, I explained it, and I said to them, ‘What should we do? If they want to continue their grandfather’s house project, then the kids are old enough to take a role and monitor it.’
“I was ready to return it. So, we agreed that I transfer the money to the account of Ogogo’s older brother, Kak Rilwan. So, I said one of his older brothers, Ayinde, should meet me at the bank so that I can send the money to his older brother’s account.”
Imam said that the decision to return the money was with the approval of the late actor’s close family, including his wife and children.
According to him, the funds were then transferred to the account of Ogogo’s older brother, who will oversee the next steps regarding the project along with his family members.
“Mr Rilwan will now know what to do with his children’s money. It’s not for the mosque project but for his grandfather’s house, which he wants to run himself.”
Adewunmi’s explanation comes amidst public discussions regarding the ₦25 million fund following the death of the renowned actor, and the cleric stated that his decision was guided by transparency and the original purpose of giving him the money.
Ogogo, a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry, reportedly died in August 2026 at the age of 66, sparking numerous tributes from colleagues, fans and admirers across the Nigerian entertainment industry.
