Adebayo Salami

• Name — Oga Bello • Birth Name — Adebayo Salami • Born — 9 May 1952 • Birthplace — Lagos, Nigeria • Occupation — Actor, filmmaker and film director • Children — Femi Adebayo • Years Active — 1964-present

Salami is a native of Pakata Oloje, Ilorin, Kwara State. He was born on the 9th of May 1953 in Lagos State where he had both his primary and secondary education. Adebayo Salami attended Adebodun Commercial School, and later went to Lagos Drama School, a school affiliated with the University of Lagos.

He 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 was 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.

Salami is married to two wives and has eighteen children (9 sons and 9 daughters, including actor Femi Adebayo)

• Year — Film — Role • 2024 — Her Excellency — Producer • 2024 — Seven Doors — Otun • Crossroads — Dunni's Father • 2022 — Aníkúlápó — Oyo Chief • 2020 — Omo Ghetto (The Saga) — Baba Onibaba • 1996 — Owo Blow — Council Boss

He also worked under the name Oga Bello. The authorities additionally record the headings Oga Bello and Bayo Salami. His recorded languages were English, Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin. His recorded confession was Islam. 2 children are recorded: Femi Adebayo and Tope Adebayo.

One work is recorded as notable: Omo Ghetto: The Saga.