Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he doesn’t plan to leave houses or property behind for his children.
In a recent interview with the Nigerian Tribune, the Yoruba movie legend explained that his main priority has always been education, not wealth.
Oga Bello, who has two wives and 18 children, said he made a deliberate decision early in life to focus on giving his children quality schooling rather than accumulating assets.
According to him, the decision became even more important when he chose to become a polygamist.
“I don’t want to leave any properties for my children. I just need two houses — one in Lagos and one in my hometown. If you meet any money in my account, share it. I’m passionate about education,” he said.
The actor revealed that he didn’t have the opportunity of being supported by his own parents when it came to school, which made him even more determined to give his children what he never had.
“Even if it’s just a first degree, I wanted all my children to be educated,” he added.
Though many of his children, including well-known actor Femi Adebayo, ended up in the film industry, Oga Bello said none of them were pushed into it.
He said their interest came naturally, and he only supported their choice as long as they stayed focused on school.
“I didn’t bring or force them to the industry… Whenever I was going for rehearsals and they wanted to follow, I would say no, except they had good results in school. That made them work hard,” the actor said.
On the subject of ageing, the actor opened up about the realities of growing old, especially as a performer.
Oga Bello said, “Old age comes with challenges. Preparing for old age is personal. Here in Nigeria, we don’t take it seriously across professions. I invested in my children. In old age, they will take care of me.”
KanyiDaily recalls that Iroko TV boss, Jason Njoku, previously revealed that his children may not inherit his wealth because inheritance usually comes with a huge burden to those it is bequeathed to.