Veteran Yoruba actor Raymmy Shittabey has spoken about his long-running rift with fellow actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello.
Speaking in an interview on Agbaletu TV, Shittabey said he still holds Salami in high regard despite their strained relationship, insisting that he never deliberately wronged the veteran actor.
He recalled frequently visiting Oga Bello’s home during the early days of his career because he regarded him as a father figure. According to Shittabey, Salami was generous, often providing food and financial support whenever they were facing difficult times.
Shittabey also revealed that although he has apologised on several occasions, Oga Bello has yet to forgive him. He further claimed that the unresolved dispute has deprived him of several opportunities due to the veteran actor’s influence in the industry.
“I love Oga Bello so much, and he knows it, but he doesn’t like me because he believes I offended him. I didn’t offend him, but he thinks I did. There is nothing he wants to do that I wouldn’t attend or honour his invitation to. I have always seen him as a father,” he said.
“Back when he lived in Ebute Meta I saw him as a father, Alade Aromire and I used to trek to his house. He is very generous, so whenever we were broke, we knew we would eat there, and he would even give us money before we left.
“He believes I offended him, and although I have begged him, he hasn’t forgiven me. Because of that, I lost many opportunities since he is often the deciding factor in certain things, and once he makes a decision, it is final. I don’t want to say more about it, but I still love him to this day.”
However, he did not disclose what Oga Bello believes he did wrong.
