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Tag: Lere Paimo

  • Copyright: Save me from being cheated at old age Lere Paimo begs Makinde, Adeboye

    Copyright: Save me from being cheated at old age Lere Paimo begs Makinde, Adeboye

    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.

  • Oyo Assembly to Makinde: honour Yoruba theatre legend, Lere Paimo

    Oyo Assembly to Makinde: honour Yoruba theatre legend, Lere Paimo

    The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed a motion to honour and celebrate veteran Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as ‘Eda Onile Ola’, for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of Yoruba culture through theater.

    The Assembly made the call on Wednesday at its Yoruba plenary session while deliberating on a motion presented by the majority leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South).

    The motion urged the state government to recognise and honour the Octogenarian Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo, Eda Onile-Ola, who is among the oldest in the industry.

    It further called on the government to honour other veteran actors who have made an impact in the theatre industry.

    While highlighting Eda Onile-Ola’s remarkable career and his role in showcasing Yoruba culture and values through his performances, the House noted that Chief Paimo’s dedication to the arts has helped to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

    Hon. Adedoyin in the motion commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for his commitment to sustaining and promoting Yoruba culture, citing various cultural initiatives spearheaded by the government.

    He noted that while efforts have been made in festivals and tourism development, traditional Yoruba theatre, once a stronghold of cultural storytelling, is gradually fading.

    The Motion also urged the state government to support the production of traditional Yoruba plays that promote wisdom and good character, and ensure their integration into cultural tourism.

    It equally plans to hold a special plenary in honour of the theatre icon, and calls for the funding of documentaries and exhibitions showcasing Chief Lere Paimo’s work.

    “Yoruba culture is rich, and theatre is one of our strongest mediums to educate, entertain, and preserve our traditions. It is essential to recognise and support those who have dedicated their lives to ensuring these values do not disappear, one of them is Chief Lere Paimo, popularly called Eda Onile-Ola”, Adedoyin added.

    Read Also: Kunle Afod renovates Lere Paimo’s house ahead 85th birthday

    He further lamented that modern film productions have lost touch with Yoruba ethics, often promoting foreign influences instead of showcasing the moral values embedded in indigenous Yoruba storytelling.

    Hon. Adedoyin emphasised the importance of preserving theatre as a medium for educating younger generations on Yoruba values, saying, “Our ancestors taught us through storytelling, and legends like Chief Lere Paimo have carried this torch. We must support them and ensure that Yoruba cultural expressions continue to thrive.”

    The Oyo State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin acknowledged the contributions of Yoruba actors and assured that the Assembly would take necessary steps to ensure the implementation of the resolutions contained in the motion.

  • Kunle Afod renovates Lere Paimo’s house ahead 85th birthday

    Kunle Afod renovates Lere Paimo’s house ahead 85th birthday

    Filmmaker and actor Kunle Afod has renovated the house of veteran actor, Lere Paimo, popularly known as Babe Onile Eda.

    Kunle Afod, who recently clocked 51 on October 24, decided to surprise Lere Paimo in celebration of the veteran’s 85th birthday by renovating his old house in Ogbomosho, his hometown.

    “AFOD INSPIRES… Me and my team came together to transform PA LERE PAIMO’S House from old school setting to modern set”, he wrote on Instagram.

    A video capturing the impressive renovation process has surfaced online, garnering widespread admiration from fans and industry colleagues alike.

    In the video, Kunle Afod assembled a team to efficiently complete the renovation, transforming the house from an old to a modern setting.

    Read Also: Kunle Afod raises N1.3m for ailing actress Bisola Badmus

    The team was then seen scrubbing the house’s tiles, while others painted the walls, adding a fresh, aesthetic touch.

    They also brought in a new set of brand-new chairs, giving the house a fresh, luxurious, and elegant look.

    The clip also captured the emotional moment Lere Paimo walked into his house, looking so surprised upon seeing his house’s transformation.

    Kunle Afod went ahead to present huge sum of money to Pa Lere Paimo.

  • Lere Paimo: To whom honour is due

    Lere Paimo: To whom honour is due

    • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, others to celebrate ‘Eda’, an icon of Yoruba movie industry

    Quintessential Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo, whose stage name is ‘Eda Onile Ola’, or simply, ‘Eda’, will be celebrating his 85th birthday this month. Born on September 19, 1939, hailing from Ogbomoso and training as a teacher in Gold Coast (Ghana), ‘Eda’ is enjoying uncommon longevity in a country where life expectancy is set at around 56.05 years.

     According to Awa Bamiji, President-General of the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, the September 23, 2024 Yoruba National Day Lecture at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State would be used to celebrate the icon of the Yoruba movie industry. The lecture is titled “National Unity and Agitation for Self-determination: The Way Forward for Nigeria”, and is to be delivered by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is the Special Guest of Honour.

    With an exquisite skill in modulating his voice magisterially, an imperial deployment of his visage, a commanding carriage, a dynamic overall body language, a notable prowess in reciting incantations and the remarkably engaging use of proverbs, ‘Eda’ has been hugely authentic as he has acted the different roles of king, chief and priest, among others, as he has been enlightening and dispensing joy to generations of individuals and homes, starting with his 1963 epic drama, “Ògbórí Elémòsó”. His performance authentically mirrors Yoruba culture in its ennobling and not so endearing forms, and he has become an actor of choice when it comes to Yoruba classics. 

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    His theatrical authenticity has been so huge that, according to him, “Often times, I get calls from people all over Nigeria asking me to consult the oracle for them. Whenever it happens like that, I explain to them that I am not a herbalist. Even after explaining to them that what they watch on television is just acting, some still don’t believe, offering to pay me huge sums of money.” This places ‘Eda’ in the class of the world famous British actor Robert Powell who acted the role of Jesus so authentically in the film “Jesus of Nazareth” that some people started deifying him and placing his photograph behind the altar in church. In a testament to his amazing theatrical talent and as a striking example of life imitating art, a video clip in which he acted as a high chief circulated widely on social media after a display of elite irritability in real life by Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation. After Fani-Kayode, who was not holding any official position, had moved round promoting a number of state governors, a journalist asked him, “Who is bankrolling you?” The question drew the former Minister’s ire, and he launched into tirades and threats against the journalist. In a similar kind of situation, ‘Eda’ had lost his temper and issued threats when a journalist asked the high chiefs how they got the funds to buy a set of luxury cars at a time when some logging companies were attempting to exploit the community.

    ‘Eda’ has been around long enough to reap the fruits of longevity. Of particular note is the fact that, as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission puts it, “In 2005, former President Olusegun Obasanjo presented him with a national award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in honour of his enormous contributions to the Nigerian film industry.”

    As ‘Eda Onile Ola’ continues to advance within the octogenarian class and continues to advance in his mythical and mystical standing among Yoruba actors, he deserves all the honour and celebration of talent he can get; and we wish him graceful aging. 

  • Veteran Nollywood actor Lere Paimo receives car, cash gift from fans

    Veteran Nollywood actor Lere Paimo receives car, cash gift from fans

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Lere Paimo, popularly referred to as Baba Eda has received a car and cash gifts from his fans.

    Recall that the veteran actor Lere received a surprise visit from his junior colleague Kunle Afod at his home.

    A few days later, Lere became the proud owner of a new car following a heartening visit.

    In a viral clip, filmmaker Kunle Afod presented Lere Paimo with N500k, a contribution from generous Nigerians to honour the veteran.

    Read Also; Lere Paimo returns to screen for Adedibu’s biopic by Seun Oloketuyi

    The emotional clip captured the elderly actor expressing gratitude as the gifts poured in.

    Eda starred in movies like Saworeide, Agogo Ewo, and many more during his heyday.

    He was last seen publicly during the birthday party of his senior colleague, Pa Agbako when he turned 100.