Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, Chief Lere Osunpaimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Nigerians at large to intervene after alleging that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, is attempting to remake his celebrated film Ogbori Elemoso without his approval.
Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, Osunpaimo described the film as central to his career and legacy.
He noted that the original Ogbori Elemoso brought him national acclaim, including the prestigious 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, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade II.
The filmmaker said the current monarch had initially approached him with a proposal to remake the classic, requesting cost estimates.
Osunpaimo valued the project at approximately N100 million, but alleged that the Soun hinted at potential budget increases and requested alterations to the script, promising to follow up.
In October 2025, Osunpaimo claims he was visited at home by a man identified as Ben Ayoola, also known as Ben O Ben, along with individuals claiming to represent Fewchore Studio.
He said they asserted that they had the monarch’s approval to remake the film and insisted they did not require his consent, offering only a “gift” in recognition of his work.
Acting cautiously, Osunpaimo returned the money and, through his legal team, issued a cease-and-desist letter to the studio, warning against proceeding without his approval.
He alleges that the group dismissed his warning, claiming the Soun’s support would shield them from legal consequences.
Describing the situation as an attack on his legacy, Osunpaimo recalled that producing Ogbori Elemoso had left him heavily in debt, even resulting in the temporary 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, while appealing to Nigerians to protect him from what he described as injustice in his old age.
Osunpaimo also hinted that those involved might be linked to recent social media rumors of his death.
Requests for comment from the Soun of Ogbomoso’s spokesperson were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
