Legendary Yoruba actor and cultural icon, Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, has been confirmed dead.
Details surrounding his passing were still sketchy as of press time, but industry sources confirmed that the veteran actor died on Friday.
Lere Paimo, one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and filmmaking, earned national recognition for his roles in classic Yoruba productions and his decades-long contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s film and cultural landscape.
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues, fans, and cultural associations, describing his death as a huge loss to the Yoruba movie industry and the nation’s cultural heritage.
More details are expected to be released by family and industry stakeholders.
Chief Lere Paimo Early Life. And Career Profile .
Chief Lere Paimo, a Nigerian actor, filmmaker, producer, and director, was born on November 19, 1939, in Ile Ikoyi Odan, Osupa, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. His father was a tobacco and yam farmer and the leader of the local farmers’ organization, while his mother was a trader.
Lere Paimo began his acting career in 1958 when he joined the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, founded by Pa Oyinade Adejobi. He later became a member of the Duro Ladipo Theatre Group, where he featured in the stage play Obamoro, playing the role of “Chief Basa.” He rose to fame following his lead role as Soun Ogunlola in the epic Yoruba film Ogbogi Elemosho.
In 2005, in recognition of Lere Paimo’s immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry, he was honored with the national award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR). In May 2013, it was reported that he survived a partial stroke. In April 2014, Lere Paimo won a ₦1,000,000 cash prize on the Nigerian edition of the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
