Veteran Nollywood actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has opened up about one of the darkest periods of his life, revealing that he nearly abandoned acting after being accused of being responsible for the deaths of his late mentor, Ojo Ladipo, popularly known as Baba Mero, and his wife.
The 73-year-old actor made the revelation in a recent interview, describing the deaths as the most painful experiences of his decades-long career in the Nigerian film industry.
According to Salami, the death of Baba Mero in 1978 left him devastated, having worked closely with the theatre icon as his protégé in the Young Concert Party, which later became the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group.
He recalled that the emotional pain deepened seven years later when Baba Mero’s wife also passed away, triggering rumours and accusations that he was behind both deaths.
“The saddest day of my life was when my boss, Baba Mero, died. It wasn’t just the day he died; the circumstances surrounding his illness and death were heartbreaking. Then, exactly seven years later, his wife also died, and the suffering I went through at that time was overwhelming,” he said.
Salami said the accusations took a heavy emotional toll on him, forcing him to consider walking away from acting.
“There was nothing people did not say about me. Some even alleged that I was the one killing them. The pressure was so much that I concluded I was no longer interested in theatre,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the veteran actor said he eventually chose to carry on his late mentor’s legacy by taking over the leadership of the theatre group after Baba Mero’s death.
“When my boss died in 1978, I was the next person after him. We had to continue and immortalise his name. I was reluctant because of everything that happened, but we pushed on despite the many challenges,” he added.
Salami began his acting career in 1964 with the Young Concert Party under Baba Mero before the troupe later became the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group. Following his mentor’s death, he assumed leadership of the group and went on to build one of the most successful careers in the Yoruba movie industry.
He made his film debut in Ajani Ogun, regarded as the first Yoruba-language film, before producing his first movie, Ogun Ajaye, in 1985.
Over the years, Oga Bello has established himself as one of Nollywood’s most respected actors, producers and directors. His legacy has also been extended through his sons Femi Adebayo, Tope Adebayo and Sodiq Adebayo who have become prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry.
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