Veteran Nollywood actor and comedian Afeez Oyetoro, popularly known as "Saka," has revealed why he turned down a ₦7.5 million ambassadorial offer, prioritizing personal convictions and his professional responsibilities as an educator over immediate financial gain.

Speaking in a recent interview on African A-List, Oyetoro explained that the lucrative proposal arrived in 1999 during a period when he was facing significant financial hardship. However, the job was from a sports betting company.

Despite needing the money, he felt endorsing a gambling brand would conflict directly with his personal values.

"A popular betting company approached me to become their ambassador, and they offered me ₦7.5 million in 1999. Though the money was huge and I needed money badly then, I had to decline it because I am a religious person who doesn't believe in betting," Oyetoro shared.

The veteran actor, who doubles as a university lecturer, noted that accepting the contract would have undermined his moral standing with his students. Having consistently advised young people against gambling, smoking, and alcohol abuse, he felt endorsing a betting brand would be hypocritical.

"I have always been a teacher, and I always speak against betting. How will my students and people looking up to me feel if they see me promoting such business?" he added.

Oyetoro noted that his decision did not leave him empty-handed. Shortly after walking away from the deal, the same advertising agent presented him with a different campaign opportunity valued at ₦5 million.

The six-month contract involved a nationwide tour, with accommodation and feeding covered by the client. "We moved round with the company," Oyetoro recalled. "After I finished, they handed over the money to me."

A betting brand offered me ₦7.5 million in 1999.The money was enticing, but I turned it down.

- Afeez Oyetoro Saka 🚶🏿‍♂️ https://t.co/lo99TUppMw

— Depegan of Lagos 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@Mautiin01) September 22, 2026