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Chief Olalere Osunpaimo, also known as “Eda Onile Ola,” was one of the most prominent film actors and cultural icons in Yoruba history. He has passed away.
The esteemed Yoruba actor, commonly referred to as Lere Paimo, died at the age of 86 in his hometown of Ogbomosho, located in Oyo State.
Details surrounding his passing have not been disclosed, but it is known that the veteran actor had been bedridden for over three months due to age-related health issues.
Reports indicate that he ultimately passed away late on the night of November 28.
Throughout his lifetime, Olalere Osunpaimo was honored with the National Award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), an accolade bestowed upon him during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
During his acting career, he appeared in numerous acclaimed Yoruba films, with his performances and expertise establishing him as a leading figure in the industry.
Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, was born on November 19, 1939, in Ile Ikoyi Odan, Osupa, Ogbomosho, a city in southwestern Nigeria's Oyo State. His father was a tobacco and yam farmer and the leader of the local farmers’ association, while his mother was a trader.
Chief Lere Paimo attended primary school in Ogbomoso before moving to the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana), where he continued his education up to teacher training college, ultimately earning a Teacher’s Grade Two certificate. He later returned to Nigeria and settled in Osogbo, where he worked as a classroom teacher at a Baptist Missionary School.
In 2005, in recognition of his significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, he received the National Award of Member of the Federal Republic alongside Zeb Ejiro from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In April 2014, he won a cash prize of 1,000,000 Naira on the Nigerian game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
In May 2013, it was reported that he suffered a partial stroke, which he survived, but it kept him out of the public eye for some time.
During a media interview, he shared how he came to be known as “Eda Onile Ola.”
“When I was with my mentor, the late Chief Duro Ladipo, in Osogbo, Ulli Beier and Susan Wengar, the Adunni Olorisa, presented a job to us. The script was titled: 'Every Man' and was written by someone from Wenger’s country, Germany. The script was in English, and our task was to translate it into Yoruba.
“In our translation, we referred to 'Every Man' as 'Eda.' I played the role of 'Every Man' or 'Eda,' who was portrayed as a wealthy, hardworking, and industrious individual.
“That role from the script earned me the nickname, and since then, many people have come to know me as 'Eda.' It has become so popular that some individuals are unaware of my real name, and many recognize me solely as 'Eda Onile Ola,'” he recounted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legacy of Chief Olalere Osunpaimo?
Chief Olalere Osunpaimo is remembered as a pioneering figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his significant contributions and performances that have influenced generations of actors.
What awards did Chief Lere Paimo receive during his career?
He received the National Award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2005, recognizing his immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
How did Chief Lere Paimo get his nickname “Eda Onile Ola”?
He earned the nickname from his role in the translated script of 'Every Man,' where he portrayed a wealthy and industrious character, which led to the popularization of the name.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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