Oga Bello six decades of acting honoured with a new film, ‘Her Excellency’, celebrating his legacy, mentorship, and Yoruba cultural storytelling
On June 29, 2025, creatives, particularly in the Yoruba movie industry, took a collective bow to one of its most enduring cultural figures – Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, as he marked 60 years on stage and screen.
Also read: Obe Ess final tribute honours quiet cartoonist who shaped Nigerian journalism
His six-decade journey, which began in 1964 with the Young Concert Party under the legendary Ojo “Baba Mero” Ladipo, has become a testament to theatrical endurance, generational mentorship, and cultural identity.
To honour this milestone, Oga Bello’s son, actor‑producer Femi Adebayo, announced the release of a commemorative film titled ‘Her Excellency’, directed by his father.
The movie premiered on June 29 and opened in cinemas nationwide from July 4.
In his announcement, Femi described the moment as one for “dreamers, creatives, and artists who dare to build, sacrifice, and persevere,” adding that some stories are bigger than words, and some men are greater than the legends told about them.
Oga Bello’s career trajectory reads like a formative chapter in Nigerian theatre history.
Some stories are bigger than words, and some men are greater than the legends told about them.
A pivotal moment came in 1978 when he took over the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group following Ladipo’s death, setting him on a lifelong path of creative leadership.
Over the years, he’s acted in and produced classics such as Ajani Ogun, Kadara, Ogun Ajaye, and modern hits like Omo Ghetto: The Saga, contributing to both televised and cinematic Yoruba forms.
Oga Bello’s impact transcends performance. He’s been a mentor and progenitor of a creative dynasty: his children Femi, Tope, Sodiq, Rilwan, Shola, Hakeem, and Lara have all taken significant roles in Nollywood as actors, directors, producers, and editors.
Oga Bello attributes his continued vitality to a peaceful mindset, balanced living, and rest which he modestly credits for his energy at 72 years of age.
Yet, the 60-year celebration was both a personal and cultural milestone.
In ‘Her Excellency’, Oga Bello re-enters cinemas not just as an actor but as a filmmaker reaffirming the relevance of Yoruba cinema.
Also read: Renowned Nollywood Filmmaker, Kayode Peters Lives On
His son, Femi, has said the film is meant both to honour a legacy and to light a torch for future practitioners.
