Veteran Nigerian actor and producer Femi Adebayo has paid a touching tribute to his father, the legendary Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, in celebration of his remarkable 60-year journey in the film industry.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Femi praised his father’s enduring legacy and announced the upcoming release of Her Excellency — a new film directed and produced by Oga Bello himself, created to commemorate the milestone.
“Some stories are bigger than words… and some men are greater than the legends told about them,” Femi wrote.
“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 added, “What better way to celebrate this incredible achievement than with the release of his latest masterpiece: HER EXCELLENCY — a film that not only showcases his creative brilliance but also embodies his lifelong passion and dedication to the 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.
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.
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