Renowned filmmaker Chief Lere Osunpaimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Nigerians to intervene in what he describes as an attempt to remake his iconic film Ogbori Elemoso without his consent.
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, Osunpaimo emphasized the film’s significance to his career and legacy. He noted that Ogbori Elemoso earned him national recognition, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award, and contributed to his chieftaincy title, Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, conferred by the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade II.
According to the filmmaker, the current monarch, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, initially approached him to discuss remaking the movie and requested a cost estimate. Osunpaimo valued the project at approximately N100 million, but he alleged that the Soun suggested increasing the budget and requested script changes, promising to follow up on the plan.
However, in October 2025, Osunpaimo claimed that a man named Ben Ayoola, also known as Ben O Ben, along with individuals claiming to represent Fewchore Studio, visited his home asserting they had the monarch’s approval to remake the film.
“They told me they did not need my permission to remake the movie and that they only wanted to give me a ‘gift’ for the work,” Osunpaimo said. The group reportedly deposited N7.5 million into his account, an action he described as manipulative. Following advice from his children, he returned the money and, through his legal counsel, issued a cease-and-desist letter warning the studio against proceeding without his approval.
Despite this, he said the parties insisted on relying on the monarch’s backing and allegedly warned that legal action would not be in his favor.
Describing the development as an attempt to undermine his legacy, Osunpaimo recalled the personal sacrifices involved in producing Ogbori Elemoso, including significant debts and the seizure of his car. “This work was meant to benefit me and my children, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away from me,” he said.
He urged Governor Makinde, Pastor Adeboye, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, and the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso worldwide to intervene. He also appealed to Nigerians to help protect him from what he described as injustice at his old age, noting concerns that those involved may be connected to recent social media rumours about his death.
Attempts to reach the Soun of Ogbomoso’s spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful, with calls to his phone going unanswered.
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