- ANTP says rumours of Lere Paimo’s death are false.
- His wife confirms he is alive and in good health.
- The veteran actor remains an iconic figure in Yoruba film.
The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has debunked widespread rumours claiming the death of iconic Yoruba actor, Chief Olalere “Lere” Paimo, MFR.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that, in a statement on Saturday, ANTP’s National Public Relations Officer, Prince Adejonwo Oluwafemi Femson, described the false reports as irresponsible fabrications circulated by “unscrupulous individuals.”
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The rebuttal followed a wave of social-media posts and even some online media reports falsely claiming that the Ogbomosho-born veteran had been bedridden for over three months and had “finally succumbed to illness.”
Femson made it clear that the revered thespian, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, is alive and well.
“Baba Eda, Chief Lere Paimo MFR is NOT dead. He is alive and well. Disregard all rumours,” the statement emphasized.
The association added that it had taken steps to verify Paimo’s condition directly from his household. “We have confirmed with Baba Eda Onile Ola’s wife that he is alive and in good health,” Femson said.
ANTP urged the public to stop amplifying unverified claims, warning that the rumour was being deliberately spread.
“Please disregard these false reports and be aware that they are being spread by unscrupulous individuals,” the statement read.
Paimo is the Chairman Board of Trustee of the ANTP.
The rumour had gained traction after questionable Facebook posts asserted that Paimo, 86, had been critically ill for months and cared for by a few colleagues until his alleged passing.
The absence of an official family announcement, however, had already raised doubts before ANTP’s clarification extinguished the speculation. Family sources also aligned with the association’s position, confirming that the actor is not experiencing any health crisis beyond normal age-related considerations.
Paimo, a towering figure in Yoruba theatre and film, has been a household name for decades, with a career stretching from the glory days of travelling theatre to the rise of contemporary Nollywood.
Born in Ogbomosho on November 19, 1939, he trained under the late Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and became famous for his commanding roles, including his celebrated performance as Oloye Otun in Owo Eje and numerous historical dramas.
In 2005, he was honoured with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his immense contributions to Nigeria’s cultural development.
Over the years, Paimo has mentored generations of actors and remained a respected custodian of Yoruba cultural storytelling.
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His works continue to influence the structure and style of indigenous Nigerian filmmaking. As ANTP reaffirmed, despite recent rumours, he remains very much alive and remains, as always, an enduring pillar of Nigeria’s performing-arts heritage.
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