Veteran Nollywood Actor Lere Paimo Dies at 86

Veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon, Lere Paimo, is dead.

His death was confirmed on Saturday by veteran entertainment journalist and Chairman of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oleketuyi, across his social media platforms.

In a post on Instagram, Oleketuyi wrote, “Chief Lere Paimo (MON) is dead. Baba died at age 86.

“A strong man. Baba survived stroke twice.

“May Baba’s soul rest in peace.”

However, his family is yet to confirm his death at the time of filing this report.

Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onileola, was one of the most influential figures in Yoruba theatre and film, with a career spanning over six decades.

Born in September 1939 in Oyo State, he began acting in 1958 after joining the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.

He later moved to the Duro Ladipo Theatre, where he featured in major productions, including the stage play Obamoro, in which he played “Chief Basa”.

His breakout performance came with his lead role as Soun Ogunola in the Yoruba epic Ogbori Elemosho, which brought him national fame and established him as a household name in traditional theatre and film.

Since 1963, Paimo featured in, produced, and directed several acclaimed Yoruba films.

Some of his notable screen appearances include Agogo Eewo (2002), The Narrow Path (2006), Moremi Ajasoro (2009), Saworoide (1999), O Le Ku (1997), The Campus Queen (2004), and Arugba (2008).

In recognition of his contributions to the Nigerian film industry, Paimo was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005.

The actor survived a partial stroke in 2013 and continued to make occasional public appearances afterwards.

In 2014, he won a ₦1m prize on the TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

His death marks the passing of one of Nigeria’s last-standing pillars of traditional theatre and storytelling.

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