Veteran Nollywood actor, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, turned 71 years old on May 9th, 2023, and his son, Sodiq Adebayo, took to social media to shower him with praises.
In a post on his Instagram page, Sodiq Adebayo shared a photo of his father and expressed his gratitude for his father’s life and impact on his own life.
He wrote: “One of the things am thankful of in my life is that I came through you to this world,there is no father like you walai….thank you for Guiding us through,May Allah let you live longer in good health and wealth,HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY @adebayo.salami.”
The post received many likes and comments from fans and well-wishers, with many also praising Oga Bello for his contributions to the Nigerian movie industry over the years.
Oga Bello began his acting career in 1964, with a group called Young Concert Party, under the leadership of Ojo Ladipo, popularly known as Baba Mero. After a few years, the group changed its name to Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group, and later metamorphosed into Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group.Following the demise of Ojo Ladipo in 1978, Salami took the mantle of leadership of the group, which brought him into the limelight.
He featured in the first Yoruba film, Ajani Ogun, in which the late Adeyemi Afolayan, the father of Kunle Afolayan and Gabriel Afolayan, plays the lead role.
He also featured in a movie titled Kadara by Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade love). He later featured in the popular Nigerian comedy series Comedy half hour with the stage name Oga Bello.
He produced his first movie, Ogun Ajaye, in 1985, from the stable of Awada Kerikeri.
Since 1985, he has produced, directed and featured in several Yoruba movies.
He was a pioneer member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, and also served as president of the association.
