Oga Bello legacy decision to prioritise education over property sparks public debate on values, ageing, and parenting in Nigerian society

Veteran Nollywood actor Adebayo Salami, widely known as Oga Bello, has ignited an emotional public conversation following his recent comments about inheritance and legacy.

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In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, the 71-year-old actor declared that he would not leave behind properties for his children, stressing instead his commitment to their education.

The Oga Bello legacy decision has attracted attention across social media and entertainment circles. The actor’s stance stems from his personal background, shaped by a childhood in which he lacked access to educational opportunities.

He explained that his choice to focus on education rather than amassing material wealth for his children was a deeply intentional one.

“I don’t want to leave any properties for my children,” Salami said. “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.”

Salami, a father of 18 and husband to two wives, acknowledged that being a polygamist further shaped his approach to legacy.

He explained that in large families, disputes over property can become divisive, but education offers an equal foundation for all children to succeed on their own merit.

“Even if it’s just a first degree, I wanted all my children to be educated,” he said.

The Oga Bello legacy decision has drawn praise from fans who see his emphasis on learning as a more sustainable and empowering gift than wealth. Among those children is popular actor and politician Femi Adebayo, who has followed in his father’s creative footsteps.

Salami pointed out that none of his children were compelled to join the movie industry. Instead, he enforced a simple rule: education first. “I didn’t bring or force them to the industry,” he recalled.

“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.”

Observers have described the Oga Bello legacy decision as both bold and timely, especially amid ongoing conversations around inheritance culture in Nigeria. Some say it challenges traditional expectations, while others see it as a model for parenting in modern society.

The actor also spoke candidly about growing old in Nigeria and the lack of institutional support for the elderly. He criticised the country’s failure to provide for retirees and stressed that personal responsibility and family are often the only dependable options in later life.

“Old age comes with challenges,” he said. “Preparing for old age is personal. Here in Nigeria, we don’t take it seriously across professions. I invested in my children. In old age, they will take care of me.”

The Oga Bello legacy decision has been widely shared online, with many Nigerians reflecting on what it means to leave behind a legacy in today’s world.

Some believe his approach reflects foresight and wisdom, while others debate whether material assets should still form part of family inheritance.

Regardless of where the public lands, Salami’s decision continues to stir conversations around value systems, the importance of education, and the evolving dynamics of parenting and ageing.

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His words offer a deeply personal yet resonant reminder that legacy is not always measured in properties or bank accounts but sometimes in the minds and hearts we prepare for the future.