Ogogo’s N25m Stirs Emotion After His Death as Ilaro Chief Imam Reveals Why He Returned the Money
The death of veteran Nollywood Actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has continued to stir emotions across Nigeria, with a fresh revelation over N25 million the actor entrusted to the Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, before his death.
The Chief Imam of Ilaro, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained that he returned the N25 million to Ogogo’s family after the actor’s death because the money was never meant for a mosque project, contrary to rumours that later circulated.
According to the cleric, Ogogo had entrusted the money to him for the rebuilding of his late grandfather’s house, a project the actor personally wanted to complete before his death.
Global Mirror News gathered that the clarification came amid questions surrounding the whereabouts and purpose of the substantial sum following Ogogo’s death in August 2026 at the age of 66.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Yoruba, shared on Instagram on Monday, September 7, Adewunmi said his close relationship with Ogogo was partly because they lived in the same neighbourhood.
«“I am so close to Alhaji Taiwo Hassan; our houses are in the same neighbourhood.”»
The Imam recalled that shortly after visiting Ogogo at the hospital, the actor contacted him and expressed his intention to keep the money with him because he might travel to India for medical treatment.
Adewunmi said Ogogo told him that his grandfather’s house was in poor condition and that he wanted to rebuild a structure on the property.
«“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.”»
According to the Imam, Ogogo subsequently transferred N25 million to him for the project.
The cleric, apparently conscious of the importance of documenting the transaction, said he immediately took steps to ensure that members of Ogogo’s family were aware of the money.
He explained that he informed his son, Adam, and ensured that the transaction was recorded because neither he nor Ogogo could predict what the future held.
«“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.”»
Adewunmi said he also informed Ogogo’s brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, about the money and its intended purpose.
He said the matter remained quiet until after Ogogo’s death, when rumours began circulating that the N25 million had been given for a mosque project.
The development, he said, forced him to clarify the matter with Ogogo’s family, particularly because the money was substantial and he did not want any misunderstanding to arise over its ownership or purpose.
The Imam said the issue was discussed during the seventh-day prayer for Ogogo, where he met with members of the actor’s family.
According to him, he told the family that the money could be used to continue the project Ogogo had originally intended to execute, provided his children were willing and able to monitor it.
«“I was ready to return it.”»
Following discussions with the family, Adewunmi said it was agreed that the N25 million should be transferred to the account of Ogogo’s elder brother, Rilwan, who would then determine how best to handle the money together with the actor’s children.
He explained that Ogogo’s two wives and children were aware of and agreed with the decision.
The cleric stressed that the money had nothing to do with a mosque construction project.
«“It is not for the mosque project but for his grandfather’s house, which he wanted to execute personally.”»
The Imam’s account has provided a significant clarification following the actor’s death, particularly as the circumstances surrounding money and unfinished projects can sometimes become sources of tension among grieving families.
For Adewunmi, returning the money was therefore not simply a financial decision but a matter of trust, transparency and honouring the intention of a man who had placed his confidence in him.
Ogogo, whose real name was Taiwo Hassan, died in August 2026 at the age of 66. His death triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues, fans and admirers across Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The celebrated Yoruba actor left behind a remarkable legacy in Nollywood, having built a career that made him one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language cinema.
As tributes continue to pour in, the Imam’s account of the N25 million has added another deeply emotional chapter to the story of Ogogo’s final days, highlighting not only the actor’s desire to preserve his family heritage, but also the importance of transparency in handling the affairs of the deceased.
Global Mirror News reports that the clarification by the Ilaro Chief Imam has helped put the record straight on the purpose of the N25 million, following the rumours that emerged after the actor’s death.
