Ogbori Elemoso War Erupts: Lere Paimo Accuses Soun of Ogbomoso, Film Studio Of Plot To Hijack His Life’s Work
Olayiwola Matthew
Veteran Nigerian actor and theatre legend, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo (MFR), popularly known as Lere Paimo or Eda Onile Ola, has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to illegally remake his iconic Yoruba historical film, Ogbori Elemoso, without his consent.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Ibadan, the revered dramatist accused the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, alongside Fewchore Studio, of attempting to appropriate his intellectual property and erase the legacy he built over decades.
Paimo described Ogbori Elemoso as a landmark in Yoruba cinematography, noting that the film earned him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) as well as the chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso.
According to the veteran actor, the controversy began when the Soun of Ogbomoso personally approached him with a proposal to remake the classic film.
“Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye asked about the cost of remaking Ogbori Elemoso, and I told him it would require about N100 million. He said he wanted the project to go beyond that budget and requested changes to the original script,” Paimo said.
He alleged that the matter took a disturbing turn in October 2025 when a man identified as Ben Ayoola, also known as Ben O Ben, arrived at his residence with others who claimed to be directors at Fewchore Studio.
“They told me they already had the permission of the Soun of Ogbomoso to remake the film and that they did not need my consent. They said they only wanted to give me a ‘gift’ for my work,” he alleged.
Paimo revealed that the group later paid N7.5 million into his bank account, a move that immediately sparked outrage among his children.
“My children were furious. They said it was robbery and manipulation. On their advice, I returned the money to Fewchore Studio without delay,” he said.
The actor added that his lawyers subsequently issued a cease-and-desist letter, warning the group against proceeding with the remake without his express approval. However, he claimed the parties remained defiant.
“They insisted they had permission from the Soun and even threatened me, saying that going to court would not give me justice,” he alleged.
Visibly emotional, Paimo recounted the personal sacrifices he made to produce Ogbori Elemoso, describing it as a labour that nearly ruined him financially.
“I suffered immensely. I became heavily indebted, and my car was seized because of the debts I incurred while producing this film. This work was meant to secure my future and that of my children, yet powerful people are trying to take it away from me,” he lamented.
He also linked his ordeal to recent rumours of his death that circulated online, suggesting a sinister undertone to the entire episode.
“Who knows? Maybe they are even behind the rumours that I am dead,” he said.
The theatre icon appealed passionately to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police; sons and daughters of Ogbomoso at home and abroad; and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene.
“Nigerians should please save me from being cheated at my old age by Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and Fewchore Studio,” Paimo pleaded.
“Please, do not allow them to get away with this injustice.”