Also known as Jelili
Prolific actor, filmmaker, and legal practitioner.
Femi Adebayo is a highly decorated Nigerian actor, film director, producer, and legal practitioner. Known for his incredible versatility in both deeply comedic and intense epic roles, he is the mastermind behind some of the highest-grossing indigenous movies in Nollywood history.
Born on December 31, 1978, in Lagos State, Nigeria, Femi hails from Ilorin, Kwara State. He was born into entertainment royalty as the son of the legendary veteran actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello). Growing up on movie sets, Femi's path into the creative arts was heavily influenced by his father's illustrious career.
Femi Adebayo is highly educated. He attended the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Law. He subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School and later returned to UNILORIN to secure a Master's degree in Law.
He made his acting debut in 1985 in his father's movie Ogun Ajaye, but his major breakthrough came with the 1995 classic Owo Blow. Femi gained legendary comedic status with his self-produced movie Jelili. In recent years, he has dominated the box office with massive epic thrillers like King of Thieves (Agesinkole) and Jagun Jagun.
Given his deep roots in the industry, Femi frequently collaborates with top figures. He regularly works with his father, Adebayo Salami, and his close contemporary Odunlade Adekola. He also shares a long-standing directorial partnership with Adebayo Tijani.
Femi Adebayo is happily married to Omotayo Adebayo. They tied the knot in 2016 after the amicable dissolution of his first marriage to Khadijat. He is a proud father and a devoted family man.
As of 2026, Femi Adebayo is a leading executive in African cinema, producing multi-million dollar indigenous epics for global streaming platforms like Netflix, while also running his J-15 School of Performing Arts.
What is Femi Adebayo's real name?
His real name is Femi Adebayo Salami.
How old is Femi Adebayo?
Born on December 31, 1978, he is 47 years old as of 2026.
Who is Femi Adebayo's wife?
He is married to Omotayo Adebayo.
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Produced the Netflix epic hit 'Jagun Jagun' (2023)
Produced the box-office record breaker 'King of Thieves' (2022)
Appointed Special Adviser on Arts to the Kwara State Governor
Veteran actor, director, and producer.
