A veteran and legendary theatre practitioner, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo, MFR, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, has launched a scathing public appeal, calling on the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the General-Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCF), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, and other prominent figures to intervene and protect his intellectual property from what he described as the avaricious machinations of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and Fewchore Studio.
Chief Osunpaimo, a proud indigene of Ogbomoso and creator of the iconic film “Ogbori Elemoso,” produced in the year 1990, revealed a disturbing sequence of events that he alleges amounts to a blatant attempt to seize and exploit his life’s work. The production earned him national recognition and the chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso from the former Soun.
“I am here today, not for myself alone, but for the sanctity of intellectual property and the protection of our creative heritage,” Chief Osunpaimo declared, his voice resonating with a mixture of anger and distress.
The seasoned filmmaker recounted how he was initially approached by the current Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, with a proposal to remake “Ogbori Elemoso.” Chief Osunpaimo stated he provided a cost implication of approximately One Hundred Million Naira for the project and discussed potential script alterations. He noted that Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye expressed interest in exceeding the initial budget and requested script modifications.
The situation took a sinister turn, according to Chief Osunpaimo, when in October 2025, a man identified as Ben Avoola, known as Ben O Ben, accompanied by individuals claiming to be directors from Fewchore Studio, visited his residence. They allegedly informed him that they had received explicit permission from Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye to remake “Ogbori Elemoso” and that his (Osunpaimo’s) consent was not required. They reportedly offered him a “gift” for his contribution.
Following this encounter, Chief Osunpaimo received a sum of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N7,500,000) into his bank account. However, his children, upon learning of the transaction, vehemently protested, labelling it as “robbery and manipulation.” Heeding their counsel, Chief Osunpaimo immediately returned the funds by transferring them back to the bank account of Fewchore Studio.
Subsequently, Chief Osunpaimo instructed his legal counsel to issue a cease and desist letter, demanding that Fewchore Studio halt the remake of “Ogbori Elemoso” without his express approval. However, he claims the studio, emboldened by their alleged authorization from Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, not only refused to comply but also issued veiled threats, asserting that legal recourse would prove futile.
“This is the reason for this press conference,” Chief Osunpaimo emphasized. “I am calling on people of goodwill, sons and daughters of Ogbomoso at home and abroad, our dear Governor, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde and Pastor E. A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who is the spiritual father of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to please intervene and rescue me from being cheated and having my legacy destroyed by Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and Fewchore Studio.
He poignantly detailed the immense personal sacrifices made during the original production of “Ogbori Elemoso,” including incurring significant debts that led to the seizure of his vehicle. “I suffered greatly to produce this movie,” he stated. “I became seriously indebted, and my car was seized due to the debts I incurred while producing Ogbori Elemoso. This work was meant to be a benefit to me and my children, but powerful individuals are attempting to take it away from me.”
Chief Osunpaimo further expressed deep concern that these alleged actions might be connected to recent malicious rumours of his death circulating on social media.
The veteran filmmaker concluded his impassioned plea by directly addressing the Governor, Pastor Adeboye, the Commissioner of Police of Oyo State, and all well-meaning Nigerians: “Please do not allow them to get away with this injustice. Our Governor, His Excellency Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, Pastor E. A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Commissioner of Police of Oyo State, all Children of Ogbomoso home and abroad and all well meaning Nigerians should please save me from being cheated at my old age by Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and FEWCHORE STUDIO.
The press conference marks a significant public escalation of a dispute that could have far-reaching implications for intellectual property rights within the Nigerian film industry and highlights the urgent need for due process and respect for creative ownership. The response from the Governor’s office, Pastor Adeboye, and the Soun of Ogbomoso’s palace is now keenly awaited.
