I chose to invest in my Children over building houses – Bello

Veteran Nollywood actor, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, has revealed he deliberately chose to invest in his children’s education and upbringing rather than focus on acquiring properties.

Speaking in a recent interview, he explained that despite becoming a polygamist, he made a conscious decision not to amass houses or wealth for inheritance. Instead, he prioritized giving each of his 18 children a solid educational foundation.

“By the time I became a polygamist, I had made up my mind not to focus on leaving behind numerous properties. I only need two houses—one in Lagos and one in my hometown. Whatever is left in my account should be shared. I am passionate about education,” he said.

Oga Bello noted that although some of his children eventually followed his path into the film industry, he never encouraged them to do so until they had completed their education.

“I never told any of my children to go into acting. My goal was for them to first go to school. Whatever interest they later develop is up to them,” he added.

His approach appears to have paid off, with several of his children—most notably Femi Adebayo—now successful in Nollywood as actors, directors, and producers.

As he looks toward retirement, Oga Bello said he finds peace in knowing that his greatest legacy lies not in buildings, but in the lives and values he has instilled in his children.