Renowned filmmaker and veteran thespian Lere Osunpaimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” has urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and other concerned Nigerians to intervene in a dispute he fears could undermine his rights over his classic film, “Ogbori Elemoso.”
He made this appeal during a press conference held in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.
Paimo, whose work in “Ogbori Elemoso” established him as a pioneer in historical drama within Nollywood, maintained that he is the original producer of the film, viewing it as essential to his career and legacy.
“The film earned me national recognition, including the award of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, and contributed to my chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, conferred on me by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade II,” he stated.
He noted that the current Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, had previously approached him with a proposal to remake the film, estimating the project would cost about N100 million and suggesting potential adjustments to the script.
However, Paimo alleged that in October 2025, a group of individuals visited his home, claiming they had received approval from the monarch to remake the film without his consent.
“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 explained.
The filmmaker reported that this group subsequently deposited N7.5 million into his bank account, which his children viewed as manipulative and coercive.
“Following their advice, I immediately returned the money to the group,” Paimo added, explaining that his legal counsel later issued a cease-and-desist letter to the studio, warning against any actions taken without his explicit approval.
Despite these warnings, he alleged that the parties involved insisted they had the monarch’s backing and claimed that legal action would not safeguard his interests.
“This work was meant to be a benefit to my children and me, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away from me,” Paimo said.
“I want to appeal to Governor Makinde, Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the RCCG, the Commissioner of Police in this state, and the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso at home and abroad to intervene in the matter,” he implored.
He expressed further concern that the dispute might be connected to recent social media rumors regarding his death.
In response, the Public Relations Officer for the Soun of Ogbomoso, Peter Olaleye, addressed journalists, stating: “The issue is, as you know, an in-house matter.
“Baba (Eda Onile Ola) is one of the chiefs in Ogbomoso. He was contacted when the story was about to be released. The crew even visited his house. The story belongs to Ogbomoso, and the one they are making now is a new story entirely. The bone of contention is an in-house matter.”
