Mustapha Bakare opens up about falling into debt after his marketer’s death and how pastor Agbala Gabriel helped him rebuild his life and career

Mustapha Bakare opens up about one of the most difficult periods of his acting career, recalling how tragedy, debt, and despair nearly ended his journey in Nollywood.

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In a recent interview, the 68-year-old veteran, popularly known as Baba Otolo, revealed that he was plunged into financial turmoil after the sudden death of his movie marketer.

Bakare explained that he had taken a ₦4 million loan from the then Oceanic Bank to finance his film, Ise Oru. Just weeks after the movie’s release, his marketer, Lady Prince, unexpectedly passed away.

“I’ve worked with many marketers, but there’s one I really love and respect, her name is Lady Prince,” he said. “After releasing my movie, within two months, the marketer slumped and died.”

Left without anyone to handle the film’s sales or returns, the actor said the debt quickly became overwhelming. “The bank started asking for their money, which I didn’t have,” he recalled. “When the pressure became too much, I relocated to Oshogbo, Osun State.”

During his lowest point, Bakare met clergyman Agbala Gabriel, who offered timely support. “He helped me refund a huge part of the money to the bank,” the actor said, describing the gesture as a lifeline that restored his hope.

Bakare, whose career began in the 1990s, rose to fame through stage plays before transitioning to film and television. His breakthrough came in the hit TV series Tinsel (2008–2012), after which he featured in productions such as Isoken (2017), Merry Men 2 (2019), BushBaby (2025), and The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (2024).

Despite his struggles, the seasoned actor remains grateful for his journey and determined to keep inspiring younger talents. “Life will test you,” he said, “but every fall is a chance to rise stronger.”

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Bakare’s revelation offers a rare glimpse into the unseen battles of Nollywood veterans, reminding many that behind the glamour of the screen often lies a story of resilience, loss, and redemption.