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 Ogogo’s grandfather’s house and was never intended for the construction or development of a mosque, contrary to rumours that emerged after the actor’s death.

The cleric gave the 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 a close one, as they lived within 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.”

The Chief Imam said he took steps to properly document the transaction and also made members of the actor’s family aware of the arrangement, considering the uncertainty surrounding life and the actor’s health at the time.

“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.

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“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.”

However, following Ogogo’s death, speculation reportedly began circulating that the ₦25 million held by the cleric had been earmarked for a mosque project.

Adewunmi said the claim made it necessary for him to meet with the deceased actor’s family to explain the true purpose of the money and collectively determine what should be done with it.

“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.”

The Imam said the decision to return the money was reached with the agreement of the late actor’s immediate family, including his wives and children.

According to him, the funds were subsequently transferred to the account of Ogogo’s elder brother, who would oversee the next steps concerning the project alongside members of the family.

“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.”

Adewunmi’s explanation comes amid public discussions over the ₦25 million following the death of the celebrated actor, with the cleric maintaining that his decision was guided by transparency and the original purpose for which the money was entrusted to him.

Ogogo, a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry, reportedly died in August 2026 at the age of 66, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and admirers across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

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