Lere Paimo passes at 86, leaving a legacy in Yoruba cinema, the veteran actor had been ill for months before his demise
Veteran Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo, widely known as Eda Onile Ola, has reportedly passed on at 86, bringing an end to a remarkable era in Nigerian cinema.
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Sources confirm that the 86-year-old actor had been bedridden for over three months, cared for by a few devoted colleagues, before ultimately succumbing to illness.
Born in Ile Ikoyi Odan, Osupa, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Paimo was a recipient of the National Award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Chief Paimo, a pioneer in Yoruba cinema, rose to prominence through numerous memorable roles, becoming a respected figure whose influence shaped generations of actors.
He had also achieved recognition beyond film, winning a ₦1,000,000 cash prize on the Nigerian game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2014.
Educated partly in the Gold Coast (now Ghana), Paimo trained as a teacher before returning to Nigeria, where he worked in Osogbo.
His dedication to both education and the arts underscored a lifelong commitment to nurturing talent and storytelling in Nigeria.
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Tributes from colleagues and fans alike have poured in, celebrating his legendary career and the indelible mark he left on Yoruba cinema. His passing marks the loss of a national treasure.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
