By Peter Omopo
Veteran theatre practitioner and national honouree, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo, popularly known as Lere Paimo or Eda Onile Ola, has accused some individuals and a production company of attempting to illegally remake his iconic film, Ogbori Elemoso, without his consent.
Speaking at a press conference, the renowned actor said he was recently approached by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, over a proposal to remake the historic film. He explained that after initial discussions, he informed the monarch that the project would require about ₦100 million, adding that the traditional ruler expressed interest in increasing the budget and reviewing the script, with a promise to revert.
Osunpaimo, however, alleged that in October 2025, a man identified as Ben Ayoola, popularly known as Ben O Ben, alongside others who claimed to represent Fewchore Studio, visited his residence and insisted they had received approval from the Soun of Ogbomoso to proceed with the remake without his permission.
“They told me clearly that they did not need my consent to remake Ogbori Elemoso and that they only came to give me a ‘gift’,” he said.
The veteran actor disclosed that ₦7.5 million was subsequently paid into his bank account, a move he said his children strongly opposed. According to him, acting on their advice, he returned the money to Fewchore Studio.
“My children described it as robbery and manipulation. Acting on their advice, I immediately returned the money,” he stated.
He further revealed that his legal counsel issued a cease-and-desist letter to the parties involved, warning them against proceeding with the project. Despite this, he claimed they remained defiant and allegedly issued threats against him.
“They told me that even if I went to court, I would not get justice,” Osunpaimo alleged.
The actor and filmmaker, who received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his work on Ogbori Elemoso, also recounted the personal sacrifices he made to produce the film, saying he incurred heavy debts and even lost his car to creditors in the process.
“This work was meant to secure the future of my children, not to be taken away by powerful individuals,” he said.
Osunpaimo appealed for urgent intervention from the Oyo State Government, traditional institutions and religious leaders, including Governor Seyi Makinde and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, whom he described as the spiritual father of the Soun of Ogbomoso.
He also called on sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to intervene to prevent what he described as an attempt to destroy his legacy.
In addition, the veteran actor expressed concern over rumours of his death circulating on social media, suggesting they might be linked to the ongoing dispute.
He concluded by urging security agencies, including the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, to step in and ensure justice.
“Please do not allow this injustice to happen to me at my old age,” he pleaded.
