With over six decades in the film industry, Nollywood veteran Adebayo Salami, fondly known as Oga Bello, remains one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in entertainment. In an exclusive interview with Rotimi Ige, the 71-year-old actor and filmmaker opened up about his legacy, fatherhood, passion for education, and his latest cinema project Her Excellency, launched in celebration of his 60 years on stage.
🎭 Early Beginnings and Love for Education
Oga Bello began acting in 1964 with the Young Concert Party, founded by the late Ojo Ladipo (Baba Mero). Despite lacking educational support from his parents, Salami said he made it a personal mission to ensure all his 18 children received formal education.
“Even as a polygamist, I insisted all my children must be educated — at least to the university level. I didn’t plan for them to join the film industry, but when I saw their passion, I supported them,” he shared.
👨👩👧👦 Family, Film, and Foresight
His son, Femi Adebayo, and some of his other children followed his footsteps into acting. Salami explained how he used academic excellence as a condition for joining him at film rehearsals — a move that encouraged them to succeed both in school and on screen.
“If I knew Femi would become a filmmaker, I would’ve told him to study Theatre Arts instead,” he joked.
🎥 New Cinema Project: ‘Her Excellency’
To commemorate his 60-year journey, Salami remade one of his early stage plays, Agbara Obinrin, into a cinema film titled Her Excellency. The film, directed by Tope Adebayo and Tope Tijani, stars big names like Sola Sobowale, Femi Adebayo, Bimbo Ademoye, and Yemi Solade.
“I always ensure my movies carry a strong message. Her Excellency teaches that a woman can either build or break her husband. Support is key in marriage,” he said.
🕊️ Overcoming Challenges and Loss
Salami recounted emotional moments in his journey, especially the loss of his mentor, Ojo Ladipo, and his wife, which nearly made him quit acting. He also reflected on career challenges and credited his long-lasting relevance to his ability to “move with time”, evolving from stage to TV, and now cinema.
“From live theatre to video to cinema — I adapted. I even traveled to London and France to attend film workshops,” he noted.
🧓 Thoughts on Aging, Legacy, and the Industry Today
When asked about aging in the industry, Salami said age shouldn’t limit an actor's roles but acknowledged that he now selects roles carefully based on suitability. He advised younger actors to prepare for old age and be mindful of their health.
“I didn’t build many houses; I invested in my children. That is my retirement plan.”
💬 His Hopes for the Future
Salami says he wants to be remembered for the values and lessons embedded in his films.
“My legacy is the messages I pass through my movies,” he stated.
He praised the current growth of Nollywood, especially the improvements in technical quality, storytelling, and global reach, urging upcoming talents to continue learning and evolving.
From stage pioneer to cinema legend, Adebayo Salami’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and family. His latest movie Her Excellency stands as a tribute to a remarkable legacy, offering both entertainment and life lessons — just like the man himself.
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