The Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained why he returned N25m entrusted to him by late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, before his death.
Adewunmi said Ogogo transferred the money to him to complete the rebuilding of his grandfather’s house and not for a mosque project, as was later rumoured.
Chief Imam of Ilaro, Tajudeen Adewunmi
Speaking in an interview with BBC Yoruba shared on Instagram on Monday, the Imam said in Yoruba that he was close to Ogogo because their houses were in the same neighbourhood.
“I am so 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 he wanted to keep money with me so he could complete his grandfather’s house. He said the house was not in good condition and he wanted to rebuild a structure on it. He then transferred N25 million, with the excuse that he was likely to go to India for treatment.”
Adewunmi said he documented the transaction and informed members of Ogogo’s family about the money.
“When I got the alert, I informed my son, Adam, to state it somewhere because we did not know who would die first, or in case anything happened to me.
“He gave me the book where he recorded it, and I signed. So, I informed his brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, too, that Ogogo transferred money to me for this project. After that, it died down until he died.”
He said a rumour subsequently emerged that the money was meant for a mosque project, prompting him to clarify the matter with Ogogo’s family after the actor’s death.
“There was a rumour that the money with me was for the mosque project, which I had to clarify. On the seventh-day prayer for the deceased, I had a meeting with his family at 6pm. His daughter was even around at that time.
“So, I explained, and I told them, ‘What should we do about it? If they want to go ahead with his grandfather’s house project, then his children are mature enough to take up the role and monitor it.’
“I was ready to return it. So, we agreed that I transferred the money to Ogogo’s elder brother’s account, Brother Rilwan. So, I said one of his brothers, Ayinde, should meet me at the bank so I could send the money to their elder brother’s account.”
Adewunmi explained that Ogogo’s two wives and children agreed that the money should be transferred to the actor’s elder brother’s account.
“Mr Rilwan will now know what to do with the money with his children. It is not for the mosque project but for his grandfather’s house, which he wanted to execute personally.”
Ogogo, who died in August 2026 aged 66, was a prominent Yoruba actor whose death attracted tributes from colleagues and admirers across the Nigerian entertainment industry.
(Punch)
