In a world where many parents strive to amass properties and material wealth for their offspring, veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Adebayo Salami, affectionately known as Oga Bello, offers a refreshingly unconventional perspective. The beloved thespian, a proud father of 18 children from two wives, recently unveiled his profound philosophy on inheritance during an insightful interview with the Nigerian Tribune. His revelation? He won’t be leaving houses or properties to his children. Instead, he believes he’s already bestowed upon them the most invaluable legacy imaginable: education.
A Deliberate Choice: Investing in Minds, Not Mansions
Oga Bello’s stance isn’t a spontaneous decision but a deeply considered one, forged early in his life and career. He explained that from a young age, he made a conscious choice to channel his resources not into acquiring sprawling estates or luxury assets, but into ensuring each of his children received a quality education. For him, this wasn’t merely a preference; it was a conviction that knowledge and skill are far more enduring and empowering than any physical possession.
“I don’t want to leave any properties for my children. I just need two houses, one in Lagos and one in my hometown. If you meet any money in my account, share it. I’m passionate about education,” he candidly shared with the Nigerian Tribune. This statement encapsulates his ethos: a focus on foundational empowerment rather than material handouts. It speaks to a man who understands that true wealth lies in intellectual capital and personal development, not just brick and mortar. His ambition was to equip his children with the tools to build their own empires, rather than simply inheriting his.
This philosophy is particularly striking in a society where property ownership is often seen as the ultimate mark of success and a secure future for one’s progeny. Oga Bello challenges this norm, advocating for a legacy that fosters self-reliance and intellectual robustness. He seems to be asserting that while physical assets can be fleeting or diminish in value, a solid education is an unshakeable foundation, providing lifelong opportunities and the ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. It’s a testament to his foresight and belief in the power of knowledge.
Shaped by Experience: The Unprivileged Path to Wisdom
Oga Bello’s unique parenting philosophy is deeply rooted in his own life experiences. His illustrious career in entertainment began way back in 1964 with the legendary Young Concert Party, led by the late Baba Mero. Yet, despite his eventual success, he never had the privilege of strong parental support for his own educational journey. This personal void undoubtedly shaped his views on what truly matters in preparing children for life’s challenges. He learned firsthand the value of struggle and self-reliance when it came to education.
“Even if it’s just a first degree, I wanted all my children to be educated,” he stated, a simple yet powerful declaration of his commitment. This wasn’t about pushing them towards advanced degrees for prestige, but ensuring a baseline level of formal education that he himself lacked the foundational support for. He understood that a basic degree provides a minimum level of intellectual exposure, critical thinking skills, and opens doors to various opportunities that might otherwise remain shut. This personal history adds a layer of depth and authenticity to his current philosophy, making it less of an abstract idea and more of a lived conviction. His children’s educational success is, in many ways, the fulfillment of his own deferred dreams.
Nurturing Passion: The Path to Acting and Beyond
Interestingly, while Oga Bello is a titan in the acting world, he never coerced any of his children into following in his footsteps. Instead, he emphasized that their entry into the industry was driven purely by their own passion and talent. His role, he explained, was one of support, but with a crucial condition: academic excellence.
“I didn’t bring or force them to the industry. Whenever I was going for rehearsals and they wanted to follow, I would say no, except they had good results in school. That made them work hard,” he recounted. This anecdote offers a glimpse into his parenting style: firm yet encouraging, prioritizing foundational education while respecting individual aspirations. It shows a father who understood that true passion, when coupled with a strong educational background, could lead to sustained success and personal fulfillment. Many of his children, like Femi Adebayo and Tope Adebayo, have indeed become notable figures in Nollywood, proving that their father’s strategy has borne fruit. They pursued their artistic inclinations, but only after laying a solid academic groundwork. This blend of discipline and encouragement is a hallmark of his approach to raising 18 successful individuals.
His method seems to have instilled in his children a sense of self-discipline and an understanding that professional success should not come at the expense of intellectual development. This balancing act, requiring them to excel academically before indulging their creative passions, likely contributed to their well-rounded development and resilience in a demanding industry. It also reflects a modern parenting approach that values both academic rigor and the pursuit of creative dreams, rather than an archaic insistence on a single path.
Reflections on Ageing and Retirement: A Nigerian Reality
Beyond the topic of inheritance, Oga Bello also shared profound insights into the realities of ageing and retirement within the Nigerian context, particularly for those in the entertainment industry. He candidly acknowledged the inherent challenges that come with advancing age, stressing that preparing for old age is a deeply personal responsibility.
“Old age comes with challenges. Preparing for old age is personal. Here in Nigeria, we don’t take it seriously across professions,” he observed. This statement resonates with a wider societal issue in Nigeria, where robust social security systems and structured retirement plans are often lacking across various professions. Many individuals, especially in the informal sector or creative industries, find themselves navigating their later years with limited safety nets.
In this light, Oga Bello’s decision to invest heavily in his children’s education takes on an even deeper significance. For him, his children aren’t just his legacy; they are his retirement plan. “I invested in my children. In old age, they will take care of me,” he declared, articulating a deeply ingrained cultural value in many African societies where children are seen as an enduring form of social security and care for their elderly parents. This cultural expectation, while powerful, also highlights the societal gaps that necessitate such personal “investments” in the absence of robust institutional support for the aged. His words are a poignant commentary on the realities faced by many elderly Nigerians, where family remains the primary, if not sole, pillar of support in their twilight years. His proactive investment ensures that this traditional support system is strong and capable.
A Legacy Beyond Material Possessions
Oga Bello’s philosophy stands as a powerful testament to the idea that true wealth extends far beyond material possessions. By prioritizing education for his 18 children, he has empowered them with knowledge, skills, and the capacity for self-reliance—a legacy far more valuable and enduring than any physical property. His decision challenges conventional wisdom and offers a compelling argument for investing in human capital as the ultimate inheritance.
In a country like Nigeria, grappling with economic uncertainties and a rapidly evolving landscape, his approach offers a blueprint for sustainable success. His children, armed with their education, are not only carving out their own paths but are also equipped to support their father in his golden years, fulfilling a cycle of generational investment and care. Oga Bello’s story is a powerful reminder that the greatest inheritance a parent can leave their children is the wisdom and tools to build their own prosperous and fulfilling lives. His life’s work, both on screen and as a father, exemplifies a profound commitment to the future, not just for his family, but perhaps, as an example for wider society.
