Some Producer want to illegally remake ‘Ogbori Elemoso’ – Veteran Nollywood Actor cries out, calls for Govt intervention

Some Producer want to illegally remake ‘Ogbori Elemoso’ – Veteran Nollywood Actor cries out, calls for Govt intervention

Veteran Yoruba actor and filmmaker, Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, has accused some individuals and a movie production outfit of attempting to remake his classic film, Ogbori Elemoso, without his approval.

Speaking during a press briefing, Paimo disclosed that the controversy began after the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, initially approached him with an idea to rework the historic film.

He said discussions were held on the nature of the project, during which he estimated the cost of production at about ₦100 million. According to him, the monarch showed interest in increasing the budget and reviewing the script, with assurances that further communication would follow.

However, Paimo alleged that matters took a troubling turn in October 2025, when a man identified as Ben Ayoola, also known as Ben O Ben, alongside others who claimed to be representatives of Fewchore Studio, visited his home.

He said they informed him that they had obtained approval from the Soun to proceed with the remake and did not require his consent as the original creator.

“They told me plainly that my permission was not needed and that they only came to offer me a ‘gift,’” the actor said.

He further revealed that ₦7.5 million was paid into his bank account shortly afterward, a move his children strongly rejected. Acting on their advice, he said he promptly refunded the money to the production company.

Paimo explained that his lawyer subsequently issued a cease-and-desist letter, cautioning the parties against moving forward with the project. Despite this, he alleged that those involved ignored the warning and even issued threats, claiming that seeking legal redress would be futile.

The celebrated thespian, who received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contribution through Ogbori Elemoso, also recounted the personal hardship he endured while producing the film.

“I went through severe financial struggles. I incurred heavy debts and even lost my car because of loans taken to complete the movie,” he said, stressing that the work was intended to secure his children’s future.

Appealing for intervention, Paimo called on the Oyo State Government, traditional authorities and religious leaders to step in. He specifically mentioned Governor Seyi Makinde and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, whom he described as the spiritual leader of the Soun of Ogbomoso, to help resolve the matter.

He also expressed concern over rumours of his death circulating on social media, suggesting they could be linked to the ongoing dispute.

The veteran actor urged security agencies, including the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, to ensure his safety and uphold justice. “I am pleading that this injustice should not be allowed to happen to me at this stage of my life,” he said.