The Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained why late veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, entrusted ₦25 million to him shortly before his death.
Adewunmi said the money was given to him for the reconstruction of Ogogo’s grandfather’s house and was not intended for a mosque project, as later rumours suggested. The clarification came during an interview with BBC Yoruba following the actor’s death in August.
The cleric said he had known Ogogo since childhood because they lived in the same neighbourhood in Ilaro. He recalled visiting the actor while he was receiving treatment at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and later at St Nicholas Hospital in Lagos. According to him, Ogogo’s condition had deteriorated considerably during their final meeting, after which they parted emotionally.
Adewunmi said Ogogo contacted him after that visit and explained that he wanted to rebuild his grandfather’s house, which was in poor condition. He then transferred ₦25 million to the Imam, telling him that he might travel to India for further medical treatment.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding Ogogo’s health, Adewunmi said he immediately took steps to document the transaction. He asked his son, Adam, to make a written record stating that the money belonged to Ogogo and that it should be returned if anything happened to either of them. He also informed Ogogo’s junior brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, about the money.
The arrangement remained private until after Ogogo’s death, when reports began circulating that the ₦25 million had been intended for a mosque project. Adewunmi rejected that account, insisting that Ogogo had specifically told him the money was for rebuilding his grandfather’s house.
The Imam said he subsequently summoned members of Ogogo’s family after the actor’s burial to explain the situation and determine what should be done with the money. According to him, Ogogo’s two wives and children agreed that the funds should be transferred to the account of the actor’s elder brother, Rilwan.
Adewunmi said he then went to the bank with Ogogo’s brother Ayinde and transferred the full ₦25 million to Rilwan’s account. He explained that the family could now decide whether to use the money to complete the grandfather’s house or for another purpose Ogogo may have discussed with them.
The explanation puts to rest, at least from the Imam’s account, speculation about why the substantial sum was placed in his custody and what eventually happened to it. His account also indicates that members of Ogogo’s immediate family were informed about the transaction before and after the actor’s death.
Ogogo died on August 23, 2026, aged 66, after battling cancer. His death generated widespread tributes across the Yoruba film industry and beyond.
The ₦25 million controversy nevertheless illustrates how quickly unverified claims can circulate following the death of a prominent figure. In this case, the Imam has provided a detailed explanation of the transaction, including how it was documented, which family members were informed and how the money was eventually returned to the family.
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