Nigerian film industry, actor and producer Femi Adebayo has honored his father, veteran actor Adebayo Salami, well known as Oga Bello, as he celebrates 60 years of exceptional contributions to the movie industry
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram on Monday, Femi praised his father’s legacy and announced the upcoming release of a new film titled Her Excellency, directed and produced by Oga Bello himself to commemorate his six decades in filmmaking.
“Some stories are bigger than words… and some men are greater than the legends told about them,” Femi began.
“Today, I stand with immense pride, gratitude, and joy as I celebrate my father — my mentor, my hero — @adebayo.salami as he marks 60 years of unwavering excellence in filmmaking.”
He continued, “What better way to honor this incredible milestone than with the release of his latest masterpiece: HER EXCELLENCY — a film that reflects not just his artistry, but the depth of his passion and dedication to this craft.”
Femi revealed that Her Excellency will premiere exclusively on June 29 and will begin showing in cinemas across Nigeria from July 4.
“This moment isn’t just for him, it’s for every dreamer, every creative, every artist who dares to build, to sacrifice, to endure,” Femi wrote.
“Dady, your legacy lights the path for generations. I remain forever grateful to call you father and teacher.”
He ended with a call to action: “Eyin t’emi, let’s make history together and troop Emma’s cinemas come July 4th, 2025.”
Adebayo Salami began his acting career in 1964 as a member of the Young Concert Party, a theatre group founded by the late Ojo Ladipo. The group later evolved into the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and eventually became the Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group under Salami’s leadership after Ladipo’s death in 1978.
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He starred in the classic 1976 film Ajani Ogun, which helped usher in the Yoruba film genre and later appeared in and produced countless films and television shows.
His influence has shaped generations of actors, and he is widely acknowledged as a pioneer of Yoruba cinema.
Oga Bello’s legacy is not only defined by his own works but also through the success of his children, notably Femi Adebayo, who has become one of Nollywood’s top filmmakers, known for hits such as King of Thieves and Jagun Jagun.
