Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he has no plans to leave behind properties for his children, stating that his greatest legacy to them is education.
In an interview, Salami, who is married to two wives and father to 18 children, said his decision is rooted in a personal philosophy that prioritizes intellectual investment over material inheritance.
“I made it clear to myself early on that I would not leave any property behind for my children. All I want are two houses—one in Lagos and one in my hometown. Any money left in my account should be shared among them,” he said.
Salami explained that his childhood experience and lack of access to formal education influenced his determination to ensure all his children are educated. “Even if they only attain a first degree, that foundation is vital,” he noted.
Although several of his children, including Femi Adebayo, have followed in his footsteps in the entertainment industry, the actor insisted he never pressured them into joining the field. “They discovered the passion on their own,” he said, adding that he supported their ambitions on the condition that they maintained good academic performance.
Reflecting on Femi’s success, Salami said, “If I had known he would become a filmmaker, I might have directed him to study Theatre Arts from the beginning.”
He also addressed broader issues affecting veteran actors in Nigeria, particularly in terms of ageing and financial preparedness. According to him, many professionals across various fields fail to plan adequately for retirement.
“Old age comes with challenges, and preparation is personal. I was fortunate, but I also made a conscious decision to invest in my children rather than build houses. I believe that in my old age, they will take care of me,” he said.
Salami’s comments have sparked conversations around generational wealth, inheritance, and the role of education in legacy building—particularly within polygamous families in Nigeria.