I Was Accused Of Killing My Mentor And His Wife – Oga Bello

Veteran Nollywood actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he nearly quit acting after being falsely accused of causing the deaths of his mentor and his mentor’s wife.

Speaking in a recent interview with Feel Right News TV, the 73-year-old actor reflected on the emotional challenges he faced following the death of his mentor, Ojo Ladipo, popularly known as Baba Mero, in 1978.

According to Salami, the pain became even greater when Baba Mero’s wife died seven years later.

The veteran actor said the incidents led to widespread rumours, with some people accusing him of being responsible for both deaths.

He admitted that the false allegations deeply affected him and made him consider leaving the theatre profession altogether.

Salami said:

“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.”

Despite the accusations and emotional hardship, Salami chose to continue his mentor’s legacy.

As the second-in-command of the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group, he took over leadership after Baba Mero’s death, a decision that later helped establish him as one of the leading figures in the Yoruba movie industry.

Adebayo Salami began his acting career in 1964 and has gone on to become one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, producers and directors.