Veteran Nigerian actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed that he almost quit acting after some people accused him of causing the deaths of his mentor, Ojo Ladipo, also known as Baba Mero, and his wife.

The 73-year-old actor shared the experience in a recent interview with Feel Right News TV. He described the period as one of the darkest moments of his life and career.

The death of a mentor brought deep pain

Salami said the death of Baba Mero in 1978 remains the saddest experience he has ever faced. He explained that his mentor’s illness and eventual death left him heartbroken.

“The saddest day of my life was when my boss died, Baba Mero. It is not just that day; there were other days, the circumstances of his death, the sickness was a lot, and I was very sad. The second time was when his wife died too, with the problem I faced then at that time,” he said.

Allegations pushed him to the brink

The actor said the pain returned seven years later when Baba Mero’s wife died. He recalled facing intense criticism and false accusations during that period.

“The suffering was a lot and made me conclude that I am not interested in theatre anymore. I made up my mind that I was no longer interested in acting at that time because 7 years exactly after my boss died, the woman died too.

“There was nothing the world did not say about me; they even mentioned that I was the one who was killing them, so many things happened.”

Salami said the allegations and challenges almost forced him to abandon acting completely.

Why did he stay in the theatre

Despite his struggles, Salami decided to continue his mentor’s legacy. After Baba Mero’s death, he stepped into a leadership role within the theatre group.

“When my boss died in 1978, I was the next man to him at that time. So we had to continue. We had to immortalise the name. I felt reluctant to continue because what is underneath is not small at all,” he added.

“When we started, there were problems here and there, which are very plenty, and I don’t want to mention them for the sake of peace.”

Salami began his acting career in 1964 with the Young Concert Party, led by Baba Mero. He later became one of the leading figures in the Yoruba film industry after taking over the theatre group following his mentor’s death.