Renowned actor and filmmaker Lere Osunpaimo, famously known as Eda Onile Ola, has accused the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and director Ben Ayoola, also called Ben O Ben, of attempting to remake his iconic film Ogbori Elemoso without his consent, raising concerns over intellectual property infringement.

Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, Paimo appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other influential Nigerians to intervene in what he described as an attempt to undermine his creative and legal rights.

The veteran actor, recognized as a pioneer of historical drama in Nollywood, emphasized that Ogbori Elemoso is central to his career, legacy, and livelihood. The film, he explained, brought him national recognition, earning him the prestigious Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and the chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, bestowed by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade II.

Paimo recounted that the current Soun of Ogbomoso had previously approached him with a proposal to remake the film, suggesting a budget of around N100 million and potential modifications to the script. However, in October 2025, Ben Ayoola, representing Fewchore Studio, reportedly visited Paimo’s home claiming to have the monarch’s approval to proceed with the remake regardless of Paimo’s consent.

“They told me they did not need my permission to remake the movie and that they only intended to give me a ‘gift’ for my work,” Paimo alleged.

Paimo further disclosed that Fewchore Studio later transferred N7.5 million into his account, which his children viewed as manipulative and coercive. Acting on their advice, he returned the money and instructed his lawyer to issue a cease-and-desist letter, warning against any unauthorized production.

Despite the legal warning, Paimo claimed the parties remained defiant, asserting they had backing from powerful figures and that the law would not protect him.

Visibly emotional, the veteran filmmaker stated, “This work was meant to benefit my children and me, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away.” He appealed to Governor Makinde, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, and Ogbomoso indigenes worldwide to intervene.

Paimo also expressed concern over recent social media rumors about his death, describing them as troubling and potentially connected to the ongoing dispute.