Veteran Nollywood actor and theatre icon, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo (MFR), popularly known as Pa Lere Paimo, has accused the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and a Lagos based production outfit, Fewchore Studio, of attempting to infringe on his intellectual and creative rights over his classic movie, Ogbori Elemoso.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Ibadan on Wednesday, December 17, the respected Ogbomoso born thespian narrated what he described as a disturbing attempt to remake of his legendary film without his consent.
Pa Paimo, a seasoned theatre practitioner with several productions to his credit, said Ogbori Elemoso remains one of the most impactful works of his career and earned him national recognition, including the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
He also recalled being honoured with the chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso by the late Soun, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, partly in recognition of his cultural contributions.
According to him, the controversy began when the current Soun of Ogbomoso approached him with a proposal to remake Ogbori Elemoso.
He said he was asked about the cost implication and estimated the project at about N100 million. Pa Paimo added that the monarch expressed interest in expanding the scope of the production and requested some changes to the script, promising to revert at a later time.
However, the veteran actor said events later took a troubling turn.
He disclosed that in October 2025, a man identified as Ben Ayoola, also known as Ben O Ben, alongside some individuals who introduced themselves as officials of Fewchore Studio, visited his residence.
According to Pa Paimo, they claimed they had already been granted permission by the Soun of Ogbomoso to remake the film and informed him that his consent was no longer required.
“They told me they only came to give me a gift for the work,” he said.
Pa Paimo revealed that shortly after the meeting, a sum of N7.5 million was paid into his bank account by Fewchore Studio.
He said his children strongly objected to the payment, describing it as an attempt to shortchange and manipulate him. Following their advice, he said he promptly returned the money to the studio’s account.
The actor further stated that his legal counsel subsequently issued a cease and desist letter to the parties involved, warning them against proceeding with the remake without his express approval.
Despite this, he alleged that the producers insisted they had royal backing and claimed that he could not stop the project, even if he sought legal redress.
“They went as far as telling me that even if I went to court, I would not get justice,” he alleged.
Visibly emotional, Pa Paimo said he was compelled to address the public because he feared that his life’s work and legacy were under threat.
He recalled the personal sacrifices he made to produce Ogbori Elemoso, revealing that he went deeply into debt and even lost his car while trying to complete the project.
According to him, the film was meant to secure the future of his family, not become a source of anguish in his old age.
“This work was meant to be a benefit to me and my children, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away from me,” he said.
He added that he suspects the same forces may be behind recent rumours of his death that circulated on social media.
Pa Paimo called on prominent Nigerians and relevant authorities to intervene, including Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, whom he described as the spiritual father of the Soun of Ogbomoso; the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State; and sons and daughters of Ogbomoso at home and in the diaspora.
He appealed to “people of goodwill” across the country to help protect him from what he described as injustice and exploitation at a vulnerable stage of his life.
Barrister Orioye Oluwasanmi, the legal counsel to the veteran actor, in his brief remarks, stated that section 2(1) of the Copyright law and other constitutional provisions that prohibit tampering or alteration of tangible intellectual property without express permission of the work owner.
He added that even though the procedure for litigation has already commenced to halt tampering with Pa Paimo’s intellectual work, criminal charges would be slammed on anyone who tampers with the iconic movie.
Although the Personal Assistant to the monarch, Mr. Peter Olaleye, told journalists when contacted for response to the allegation, that he would revert back, but as the time of filing this report, no reply or official statement from the palace of Soun of Ogbomoso or Fewchore Studio regarding the allegations has been made.