The Nigerian entertainment space was thrown into confusion over the weekend as false reports claiming the death of veteran Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo (MFR), flooded social media.
However, the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has now put the rumours to rest, affirming that the iconic thespian is very much alive.
In a decisive statement, ANTP’s National PRO, Adejonwo Oluwafemi, dismissed the reports as baseless fabrications. “Chief Lere Paimo is NOT dead. He is alive and well,” he emphasized, urging the public to disregard the viral posts and refrain from amplifying the hoax. According to the association, Paimo’s wife also personally confirmed that her husband is healthy and in good condition.
As the rumours spread online, posts falsely claiming that the 86-year-old actor had died in Ogbomosho gained traction. But reality quickly overtook the fake news. Filmmaker Kunle Afod went public to debunk the story, describing it plainly as “fake.” Shortly after, Paimo himself appeared in a video message, smiling and assuring fans that he was alive, healthy, and grateful — while warning against the dangers of misinformation.
Beyond the rumour, the incident offered a moment to reflect on the towering legacy of Lere Paimo. Born in 1939 in Oyo State, he began acting in 1958 with the Oyin Adejobi theatre group before moving to the legendary Duro Ladipo troupe. His breakthrough performance in the Yoruba classic Ogbori Elemosho cemented his place as a cultural icon. Over the years, he contributed immensely to Nigerian film, theatre, and cultural preservation — earning him the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2005.
Despite surviving a partial stroke in 2013, Paimo has remained active, respected, and beloved in the industry even into 2025. His commitment to the arts and his enduring presence make him one of the foundational figures of Yoruba theatre.
The swift clarification from ANTP and colleagues serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying sensitive information before sharing it. For a figure of Paimo’s calibre, false death reports not only mislead the public but also diminish the dignity of a man who has given so much to Nigerian culture.
Today, the story is not one of loss but of celebration. Lere Paimo — Baba Eda Onile Ola — lives on, strong and revered. For the film community and fans across Nigeria, it is a moment to honour his life, appreciate his journey, and celebrate the legend while he is still here to receive the praise.
A rumour tried to dim his star, but truth has only made it shine brighter.
