Actor, Lere Paimo Isn’t Dead: Viral Reports Spark Panic Among Fans
Reports claiming the death of veteran Nollywood actor Lere Paimo have been making the rounds online, causing alarm among fans and the Nigerian film community. The actor, popularly known as Eda Onileola, was reportedly said to have passed away at 86. Celebrity journalist and Best of Nollywood Awards chairman Seun Oleketuyi shared the news on Instagram on Saturday, describing Paimo as a “strong man” who had survived two strokes. “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,” Oleketuyi wrote. The announcement quickly went viral, with fans expressing shock and paying tribute to the iconic actor. Lere Paimo is celebrated for his immense contributions to Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema, with a career spanning more than six decades. Born in September 1939 in Oyo State, he began acting in 1958 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before joining the Duro Ladipo Theatre. He gained national fame with his role as Soun Ogunola in Ogbori Elemosho and appeared in productions such as Obamoro. Over his storied career, Paimo produced, directed, and starred in numerous acclaimed Yoruba films, including 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 Nigerian arts, he was awarded the national honor of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. Would you like me to make a version that emphasizes the “viral false reports” angle even more?