A rumour circulating on Friday claiming that veteran actor, filmmaker and producer, Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onileola, had died has been debunked by family associates and industry stakeholders.
A close source, who declined to have her name published, told National Insight that the iconic thespian is alive and in good condition.
“I spoke with Baba gangan a few minutes ago. He’s alive jare. I’m sure a blogger looking for traffic started the rumour,” she said.
Similarly, the Personal Assistant to Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, dismissed the viral report, describing it as a “figment of imagination.” The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) also confirmed that the legendary actor is alive.
“Baba is very much alive, he is not dead. It is unfortunate how people could be despicable. I am with Baba now and there is nothing like that. Baba is still asleep,” his PA, Ariyo, told ogbomosoinsightonline.com.
Born on November 19, 1939, in Ile Ikoyi Odan, Osupa, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Paimo began his acting journey in 1958 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before moving to the Duro Ladipo Theatre Group. He featured prominently in the stage production Obamoro, playing the role of Chief Basa.
He rose to national prominence through his portrayal of Soun Ogunola in the classic Yoruba epic Ogbori Elemosho, a role that cemented his reputation as one of the most influential figures in Yoruba theatre and filmmaking.
Over his illustrious career spanning more than six decades, Paimo appeared in several acclaimed productions, including Agogo Eewo (2002), The Narrow Path (2006), Moremi Ajasoro (2009), Saworoide (1999), O Le Ku (1997), The Campus Queen (2004), and Arugba (2008).
In 2005, he was honoured with the national title of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
The false report of his death has now been dismissed, bringing relief to fans, colleagues and admirers of the cultural icon, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of performers.
