The Chief Imam of Ilaro, Ogun State, Tajudeen Adewunmi, has explained why he returned N25 million entrusted to him by late veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, before the actor’s death.
Adewunmi said the money was given to him by the actor to facilitate the reconstruction of his late grandfather’s house and was not intended for a mosque project, as was later rumoured.
The Imam spoke in an interview with BBC Yoruba, shared on Instagram on Monday, where he recounted his relationship with the actor and how the money came into his possession.
According to Adewunmi, he was close to Ogogo because they lived in the same neighbourhood.
He said Ogogo contacted him after he returned from visiting the actor in hospital and told him he wanted to keep some money with him because he might travel to India for medical treatment.
Adewunmi said Ogogo subsequently transferred N25 million to his account, explaining that the money was meant to complete the rebuilding of his grandfather’s house, which he said was in a poor condition.
The cleric said he took steps to document the transaction and also informed members of Ogogo’s family about the money.
He explained that he instructed his son, Adam, to make a written record of the transaction because neither of them could predict what might happen in the future.
According to him, Ogogo had also documented the transaction in a book, which he signed as evidence of the arrangement.
Adewunmi said he subsequently informed Ogogo’s brother, Ayinde, and his daughter, Rasheedat, that the actor had transferred the money to him for the reconstruction project.
He said the matter was not discussed further until Ogogo died.
