Veteran Nollywood actor and cultural icon Lere Paimo has died at the age of 86.
Piamo’s death was confirmed on Saturday by veteran entertainment journalist and Chairman of the Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oleketuyi, across his social media platforms.
In a statement on Instagram, Oleketuyi wrote, “Chief Lere Paimo (MON) is dead. Baba died at age 86.
“A strong man. Baba survived two strokes.
“May Baba’s soul rest in peace.”
However, his family had yet to confirm his death at the time of reporting this article.
Paimo, also known as Eda Onileola, was one of the most significant characters in Yoruba theater and movies, with a career spanning six decades.
Born in September 1939 in Oyo State, he began performing in 1958 when he joined the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.
He eventually relocated to the Duro Ladipo Theatre, where he appeared in several notable performances, including the stage play Obamoro, in which he played “Chief Basa.”
His breakthrough performance as Soun Ogunola in the Yoruba epic Ogbori Elemosho earned him national recognition and cemented his place as a household name in traditional theater and movies.
Paimo has appeared in, produced, and directed a number of critically regarded Yoruba films since 1963.
His noteworthy film credits include Agogo Eewo (2002), The Narrow Path (2006), Moremi Ajasoro (2009), Saworoide (1999), O Le Ku (1997), The Campus Queen (2004), and Arugba (2008).
Paimo received the national honor of Member of the Order of the Niger from former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
The actor survived a partial stroke in 2013 and has made sporadic public appearances since then.
In 2014, he won ₦1 million on the TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
His death symbolizes the end of one of Nigeria’s last remaining cornerstones of traditional theater and storytelling.
