Ogbori Elemoso: Lere Paimo, Soun disagree over classic movie remake

Renowned filmmaker and veteran thespian, Lere Osunpaimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” on Wednesday called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and other well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in a dispute he alleged could compromise his rights over his classic film, “Ogbori Elemoso.”

The appeal was made during a press conference held in Ibadan, the state capital.

Paimo, whose work in “Ogbori Elemoso” established him as a pioneer in historical drama in Nollywood, insisted that he was the original producer of the film, describing it as pivotal 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 said.

Paimo explained that the current Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, had earlier approached him with a proposal to remake the film, estimating the project at about N100m and suggesting possible adjustments to the script.

He, however, alleged that in October 2025, a group of individuals visited his residence, claiming they had approval from the monarch to remake the film without his permission.

“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 stated.

The filmmaker said the group subsequently paid N7.5m into his bank account, which his children described as manipulative and coercive.

“Following their advice, I immediately returned the money to the group,” Paimo said, adding that his legal counsel later issued a cease-and-desist letter to the studio, warning against proceeding without his express approval.

Despite the warnings, he alleged that the parties insisted they had the monarch’s backing and suggested that legal action would not protect 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 sons and daughters of Ogbomoso at home and abroad to intervene in the matter,” he said.

He also expressed concern that the dispute might be linked to recent social media rumours about his death.

In response, the Public Relations Officer to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Peter Olaleye, told The Punch, “The issue is, as you know, is 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.”