Adebayo Salami: “I won’t leave properties for my children”

Veteran Nollywood actor, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he has no plans to leave properties for his children, saying he chose to invest in their education instead.

In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, the 71-year-old actor said his decision was deliberate and rooted in his personal experience of lacking educational support while growing up.

“I don’t want to leave any properties for my children,” he said. “I just need two houses — one in Lagos and one in my hometown. If you meet any money in my account, share it. I’m passionate about education.”

Salami, who is married to two wives and has 18 children, said that becoming a polygamist influenced his decision to prioritize education over material wealth.

He added, “Even if it’s just a first degree, I wanted all my children to be educated.”

The respected Yoruba veteran also noted that many of his children joined the movie industry out of passion, not compulsion. One of his sons, Femi Adebayo, is also a popular actor and public figure.

“I didn’t bring or force them to the industry… Whenever I was going for rehearsals and they wanted to follow, I would say no, except they had good results in school. That made them work hard,” he explained.

On ageing, Oga Bello reflected on the challenges that come with growing old in Nigeria, saying the country does not take retirement or elderly care seriously.

“Old age comes with challenges. Preparing for old age is personal. Here in Nigeria, we don’t take it seriously across professions. I invested in my children. In old age, they will take care of me,” he said.