Lere Paimo - The Last of the Old Guards Keeping Yoruba Film History Alive

When people talk about the roots of Nigerian cinema, especially Yoruba storytelling, Chief Lere Paimo’s name always comes up. Born on November 19, 1939, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, he grew up in a humble home, his father was a farmer, his mother a trader, yet his life would go on to shape generations of actors. Long before there was Nollywood as we know it, Lere Paimo was already building a career on stage, performing in village halls and open fields. What started as a young teacher’s interest in drama soon became a lifelong calling.

He began acting in 1958 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, before joining Duro Ladipo’s troupe, a move that changed everything. There, he played “Chief Basa” in Obamoro, earning his first taste of recognition. But it was Ogbori Elemosho, the 1963 film based on the story of Ogbomoso’s founding, that made him a legend. His role as Soun Ogunlola, the brave hunter who defeated Elemosho, not only made history but turned Lere Paimo into the face of Yoruba heroism on screen. It was through roles like this that he became a bridge between oral tradition and modern cinema.

Over the decades, Paimo’s career evolved with the times. He acted, directed, and produced films that defined eras, Oleku, Saworoide, Agogo Ewo, Arugba, all carrying his unmistakable touch of depth and discipline. He was known for playing kings, chiefs, and priests, not just because of his commanding presence but because he understood the soul of Yoruba storytelling. So convincing were his roles that people often mistook him for a real-life herbalist, calling to consult him after seeing his performances. “I always tell them it’s just acting,” he once said in an interview, laughing.

In 2005, President Olusegun Obasanjo awarded him the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) title for his contributions to Nigerian film and theatre. Even after suffering a partial stroke in 2013, Paimo never lost his love for the craft. In 2024, his name trended again when fans and fellow actors came together to celebrate his legacy, a fitting reminder that true icons don’t retire, they simply inspire.

Today, at 85, Chief Lere Paimo stands as one of the last living links to the golden age of Yoruba cinema. His life is proof that storytelling isn’t just entertainment, it’s history, memory, and identity. And for every young actor chasing fame today, there’s something to learn from Eda Onile Ola: your art should outlive you.