Renowned filmmaker, Chief Lere Osunpaimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” has appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Nigerians to intervene after alleging that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, is attempting to remake his iconic film Ogbori Elemoso without his consent.
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, Osunpaimo described Ogbori Elemoso as pivotal to his career and legacy, noting that it earned him national recognition, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award, and contributed to his chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, conferred by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade II.
The filmmaker said the current monarch had initially approached him with a proposal to remake the film, requesting cost estimates.
Osunpaimo valued the project at around N100 million, but alleged that the Soun suggested the budget could increase and requested script changes, promising to follow up.
However, in October 2025, Osunpaimo claimed a man identified as Ben Ayoola, also known as Ben O Ben, together with individuals claiming to represent Fewchore Studio, visited his home asserting they had the monarch’s approval to remake the film.
“They told me they did not need my permission to remake the movie and that they only wanted to give me a ‘gift’ for the work,” he said.
The group allegedly deposited N7.5 million into his account, which Osunpaimo’s children described as manipulation.
Acting on their advice, he returned the money and, through his legal counsel, issued a cease-and-desist letter to the studio warning against proceeding without his approval.
Despite this, he claimed the parties insisted on having the monarch’s backing and warned that legal action would not favor him.
Describing the situation as an attempt to destroy his legacy, Osunpaimo recalled that producing Ogbori Elemoso had left him heavily indebted and had even led to the seizure of his car.
“This work was meant to benefit me and my children, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away from me,” he said.
He urged Governor Makinde, Pastor Adeboye, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, and the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso worldwide to intervene.
He also appealed to Nigerians to protect him from what he described as injustice at his old age, noting that he suspects those involved may be connected to recent social media rumors about his death.
Attempts to reach the Soun of Ogbomoso’s spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered.
