Ogogo Gave Me ₦25m to Rebuild His Grandfather’s House, Not Mosque – Ilaro Chief Imam

The ₦25 million entrusted to late veteran actor Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan to the Chief Imam of Ilaro was meant for the rebuilding of his grandfather’s house, not a mosque project, the cleric has clarified.

Chief Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, who described himself as Ogogo’s childhood friend and neighbour, made the clarification in an interview with the BBC after claims emerged following the actor’s death and burial that the money was intended for a mosque.

Ogogo died on 23 August after battling stage-four cancer. Before his death, Adewunmi said the actor was considering travelling to India for further treatment when he contacted him and transferred the money for safekeeping.

“He said the house was not in good condition and he wanted to rebuild a structure on it. He then transferred ₦25 million, explaining that he was likely to travel to India for treatment,” the cleric said.

Adewunmi said he took steps to document the transaction because he was unsure what could happen to either of them. He informed his son, Adam, that the money belonged to Ogogo and had him record the arrangement in writing. The cleric also informed Ogogo’s younger brother, Ayinde, and his first daughter, Rasheedat, about the funds.

The cleric also recalled visiting Ogogo several times while he was receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and St Nicholas Hospital in Lagos. During his final visit, Adewunmi said the actor’s condition had worsened significantly, with both men parting emotionally after he prayed for him.

After Ogogo’s death, Adewunmi said he brought the actor’s children, wives and other family members together seven days after the burial and disclosed the existence of the ₦25 million. He told them they could decide whether to use the money to carry out Ogogo’s planned rebuilding project or for another purpose he might have discussed with them.

The family eventually agreed that the money should be transferred to Ogogo’s elder brother, Rilwan, for the family to determine how it would be used. Adewunmi said he subsequently met Ayinde at a bank and transferred the full ₦25 million to Rilwan’s account.

Rejecting the suggestion that the money was connected to a mosque project, the Chief Imam said Ogogo had been clear about his intention. He described the late actor as a remarkable figure whose death had left a major gap in Ilaro and the wider Muslim community in Ogun State.