Veteran Nollywood actor Olalere Osunpaimo has raised the alarm over plans to reproduce the iconic film Ogbori Elemoso without his approval.
Paimo, at a press conference in Ibadan on Wednesday, stated that such an act contravenes copyright law and therefore sought the timely intervention of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and other well-meaning individuals across the country.
The Nollywood actor said that the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, had inquired from him about the cost of refilming the historical play Ogbori Elemoso so as to make it globally acceptable.
He said the cost implication, as requested by the monarch, was put at ₦100 million, noting the fluctuating nature of the foreign exchange (FOREX).
Osunpaimo added that while he was awaiting a response from the Kabiyesi on the next line of action, a film producer showed up at his residence, claiming that they had obtained permission from the Soun to go ahead with the reproduction of the film.
The producer, according to him, introduced himself as Ben Ayoola, popularly known as Ben O Ben.
“They told me they had already obtained permission from Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye to remake Ogbori Elemoso and that my consent was no longer required,” he said.
The theatre icon further claimed that the visitors said they merely wanted to offer him a “gift” for the original work and subsequently paid ₦7.5 million into his bank account.
He said his children strongly opposed the payment, describing it as an attempt at manipulation and robbery, and advised him to return the money. Acting on their advice, Chief Osunpaimo said he immediately transferred the money back to the account of Fewchore Studio.
Following the incident, he instructed his legal counsel to issue a cease-and-desist letter, warning the parties against remaking the film without his express approval. Despite this, he alleged that Fewchore Studio insisted they had the backing of the Soun of Ogbomoso and threatened that he would not get justice even if he went to court.
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Chief Osunpaimo lamented that Ogbori Elemoso, which earned him national recognition and the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award, was produced at great personal cost.
“I suffered greatly to produce this movie. I incurred heavy debts, and my car was even seized because of the loans I took to complete the project,” he said.
He stressed that the film was meant to secure his legacy and serve as a benefit to his children, expressing fear that powerful individuals were attempting to take it away from him.
The veteran filmmaker also linked the controversy to recent rumours circulating on social media about his alleged death, suggesting that the misinformation might not be unconnected with the dispute.
He appealed to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, and the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, at home and in the diaspora, to intervene and prevent what he described as an injustice. “I am calling on well-meaning Nigerians to save me from being cheated at my old age and from having my legacy destroyed,” Chief Osunpaimo said.
