Veteran Nollywood actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he almost abandoned acting after the death of his mentor, Ojo Ladipo, also known as Baba Mero, and the painful events that followed.
The 73-year-old actor disclosed that the loss of his mentor in 1978, followed years later by the death of Baba Mero’s wife, became one of the most difficult periods of his life and almost forced him to leave the theatre profession.
Speaking during an interview with Feel Right News TV, Salami described the period as the darkest chapter of his career, explaining that the circumstances surrounding the deaths brought intense emotional pain and public criticism.
Adebayo Salami accused of causing mentor’s death
According to the veteran actor, rumours and accusations surrounding Baba Mero’s death became so overwhelming that he considered walking away from acting completely.
Salami revealed that after Baba Mero’s wife died seven years later, the situation became even more difficult, with some people allegedly accusing him of being responsible for both deaths.
“The saddest day of my life was when my boss died, Baba Mero. It was not just the day itself; the circumstances surrounding his sickness and death affected me deeply,” Salami said.
He added that the death of Baba Mero’s wife reopened old wounds and pushed him to the point where he decided he no longer wanted to continue in the theatre industry.
“There was nothing the world did not say about me; they even mentioned that I was the one who was killing them. So many things happened,” he recalled.
Despite the accusations and pressure, Salami eventually chose to continue the legacy of his late mentor. As the next person in line after Baba Mero, he took over leadership of the theatre group and worked to preserve its name.
“When my boss died in 1978, I was the next man to him at that time. We had to continue. We had to immortalise the name,” he said.
Salami began his acting career in 1964 with the Young Concert Party group led by Baba Mero. The group later evolved into the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and eventually became the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group.
After taking over leadership in 1978, Salami became one of the leading figures in the Yoruba film industry. He made his movie debut in Ajani Ogun, regarded as the first Yoruba film, before producing his first movie, Ogun Ajaye, in 1985.
Over the decades, he has built a remarkable career as an actor, producer and director, influencing generations of entertainers.
His legacy has also continued through his children, including Femi Adebayo, Tope Adebayo and Sodiq Adebayo, who have established themselves as actors and filmmakers.
Last year, the veteran actor announced plans to release a movie celebrating his six decades in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
