Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he nearly abandoned his acting career following the death of his mentor, Ojo Ladipo, widely known as Baba Mero.
The 73-year-old actor made the revelation during an interview with Feel Right News TV, where he reflected on one of the most difficult periods of his life and career.
Salami disclosed that the death of Baba Mero in 1978 left him devastated. The tragedy deepened seven years later when the late actor’s wife also passed away.
According to him, the losses were followed by widespread rumours and false accusations, with some members of the public alleging that he was responsible for the deaths of his mentor and his wife.
“The suffering was a lot and made me conclude that I am not interested in theatre anymore. There was nothing the world did not say about me; they even mentioned that I was the one who was killing them,” Salami said.
Despite the emotional toll and public backlash, the veteran actor decided against quitting the profession. Instead, he stepped into a leadership role to preserve his mentor’s legacy.
As the second-in-command of the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group, Salami took over the leadership of the troupe after Baba Mero’s death, a decision that marked a turning point in his career and eventually earned him national recognition.
Having started his acting career in 1964, Salami has gone on to establish himself as one of the most respected figures in the Yoruba movie industry, with decades of success as an actor, producer and director.