Renowned Nollywood actor and producer Femi Adebayo has revealed the pivotal moment that led him to abandon his legal career in favor of acting, and it all came down to money.
In a recent interview, the actor, who holds a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Ibadan, shared that he made the life-changing decision after realizing that acting could offer far more financial reward than practicing law. According to him, the defining moment came when he was offered ₦50,000 for a three-day acting job, at a time when his monthly salary as a lawyer was ₦20,000.
“Honestly speaking, when I started working as a lawyer, my salary then was just ₦20,000 on a monthly basis. Acting had always been a hobby for me. But then I got invited for a role and they offered to pay me ₦50,000 for just three days,” he said.
“I said to myself, ‘Femi, this acting is your calling.’ That was when I decided to abandon law practice and face entertainment fully.”
Adebayo’s decision to switch paths proved to be the right one. Today, he stands as one of the most respected and successful figures in Nollywood, celebrated for blockbuster projects like Jagun Jagun, Seven Doors, and King of Thieves (Agesinkole).
Beyond his on-screen achievements, Femi Adebayo has continued to elevate the legacy of his father, veteran Yoruba actor Adebayo Salami, famously known as Oga Bello. Through his work, Femi has not only carved out his own space in the industry but also brought national and international recognition to his family name.
His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, taking a leap of faith, especially when driven by passion and opportunity, can lead to greater success than staying in a “safe” profession.
