Veteran Nollywood actor and Yoruba theatre legend, Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onileola, has passed away at the age of 86.
The news of his death was confirmed on Saturday by celebrity journalist and Chairman of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oleketuyi, in a post shared on Instagram. Oleketuyi described Paimo as a cultural icon who had survived two strokes before his final passing.
“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,” he wrote.
Lere Paimo was one of the most influential figures in Yoruba theatre and cinema, with a storied career that spanned more than six decades. Born in September 1939 in Oyo State, he began his acting journey in 1958 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before moving to the renowned Duro Ladipo Theatre.
He gained prominence through major stage productions, notably his role as “Chief Basa” in Obamoro. His career-defining performance came when he starred as Soun Ogunola in the Yoruba epic film Ogbori Elemosho, which cemented his place as a household name.
Since 1963, Paimo featured in, produced, and directed numerous celebrated films, including Agogo Eewo (2002), Saworoide (1999), O Le Ku (1997), The Campus Queen (2004), Arugba (2008), Moremi Ajasoro (2009), and The Narrow Path (2006).
In recognition of his immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry, he was honored with the national award of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. He also won ₦1 million on the popular TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2014.
Tributes continue to pour in for the late actor whose legacy has shaped generations of Yoruba filmmakers and storytellers.