Ogogo N25m: Ogun Imam Explains Why He Returned Money After Actor’s Death

September 8, 2026 4 Min Read

The Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained why he returned N25 million that late veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, had entrusted to him before his death. Ogogo N25m: Ogun Imam Explains Why He Returned Money After Actor’s Death.

Adewunmi said the money was given to him by the actor for a specific family project and was not intended for a mosque project, contrary to rumours that surfaced after Ogogo’s death.

The clarification comes amid renewed public interest in the affairs of the late actor, whose death in August 2026 at the age of 66 attracted tributes from colleagues, fans and members of the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Why Did Ogogo Give the Imam N25 Million?

According to Adewunmi, he and Ogogo were close because they lived in the same neighbourhood.

The imam explained that during Ogogo’s illness, the actor contacted him after one of his visits to the hospital and asked him to keep the money.

Adewunmi said Ogogo told him that he wanted to use the N25 million to rebuild his grandfather’s house, which he reportedly considered to be in poor condition.

The actor was also considering travelling to India for medical treatment at the time, according to the imam.

Rather than keeping the arrangement informal, Adewunmi said he documented the transaction and informed members of Ogogo’s family about the money.

Imam Says Ogogo’s Family Was Informed

Adewunmi said he informed Ogogo’s brother, Ayinde, as well as his daughter, Rasheedat, after receiving the money.

He also said he instructed his son to document the transaction because neither he nor Ogogo could know what might happen to either of them.

The documentation, according to the imam, later helped clarify the purpose of the money after the actor’s death.

How the N25m Mosque Rumour Started

Following Ogogo’s death, a claim reportedly circulated that the N25 million held by the imam was meant to support a mosque project.

Adewunmi said the claim was incorrect.

He explained the matter to Ogogo’s family during a meeting held around the actor’s seventh-day prayer.

The imam said he then asked the family what should be done with the money.

According to him, the family agreed that the funds should be returned to Ogogo’s relatives so that they could determine how best to proceed with the late actor’s intended project.

Why the Imam Returned the N25 Million

Adewunmi said he agreed to return the money and subsequently transferred it to the account of Ogogo’s elder brother, Rilwan.

He explained that the decision was reached after discussions involving members of the actor’s family.

The imam said the money was ultimately meant to remain within Ogogo’s family because the original purpose was to support the rebuilding of his grandfather’s house.

He also indicated that Ogogo’s children were mature enough to participate in decisions concerning the project and its future.

Who Was Taiwo Hassan, Also Known as Ogogo?

Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was one of the recognised names in Yoruba-language Nigerian cinema.

Over several decades, he built a career as an actor and became particularly popular among audiences of Yoruba films.

His death in August 2026 prompted an outpouring of condolences from fellow actors, entertainment personalities and admirers.

The actor’s family has continued to feature in public conversations surrounding his legacy and final arrangements.

For more entertainment stories and updates from Nigeria, see PUNCH Newspapers’ entertainment coverage.

Ogogo’s Legacy Lives On

Beyond his acting career, Ogogo’s influence on Yoruba cinema has made his death significant to many fans of Nigerian film.

The latest revelation concerning the N25 million has also highlighted the importance of clear financial records and communication when money is entrusted to another person, particularly when the person who provided the funds later dies.

In this case, the imam said his decision to document the transaction and inform members of Ogogo’s family helped establish the purpose of the funds.

The original report by PUNCH Newspapers contains further details from the imam’s interview with BBC Yoruba.

Key Points

Late actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, gave N25 million to Chief Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi before his death.
The imam said the money was intended for rebuilding Ogogo’s grandfather’s house.
He denied that the money was meant for a mosque project.
Adewunmi said he informed members of Ogogo’s family about the funds.
After Ogogo’s death, he discussed the money with the family.
The N25 million was eventually transferred to Ogogo’s elder brother, Rilwan.
Ogogo died in August 2026 at the age of 66.

Source: PUNCH Newspapers – “Why I returned Ogogo’s N25m after his death”