Lere Paimo Alive – Nollywood Legend’s “Death” Rumors Debunked

By: Abudu Olalekan

Here’s the thing about rumors—they spread faster than wildfire. And when it comes to legends like Lere Paimo, aka Eda Oni’le Ola, the internet doesn’t waste time.

One minute, you’re scrolling through Facebook. The next? Breaking news: “Veteran Nollywood actor Lere Paimo is dead at 86.” Panic sets in. Tributes start pouring in. Fans mourn. But here’s the twist—it’s all a lie.

Yep. You read that right.

The Association of Nigerian Theater Arts Practitioners (ANTP) just dropped a statement, and guess what? Baba Eda Oni’le Ola is very much alive. In fact, he’s in good health. His wife confirmed it. The association confirmed it. And yet, the rumor mill keeps churning.

“We would like to inform the public that reports circulating on Facebook about the passing of Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR) are FALSE,” the ANTP’s PRO, Prince Adejonwo Oluwafemi Femson, said.

So, how did this even happen?

The Rumor That Wouldn’t Die
Let’s rewind. It’s a regular day in Nollywood land. Then—boom. A post pops up: “Lere Paimo has passed away.” No source. No verification. Just a random Facebook post. And just like that, the news spreads like a virus.

But here’s the kicker—nobody bothered to check.

Not the media outlets that ran with it. Not the fans who shared it. Not even the people who wrote emotional tributes. Because in the age of social media, truth is optional. And clicks? Well, they’re everything.

The ANTP wasn’t having it. “We have confirmed with Baba Eda Onile Ola’s wife that he is alive and in good health,” they said. “Disregard these false reports. They’re being spread by unscrupulous individuals.”

But here’s the real question—why?

Why would someone fabricate the death of a living legend? Is it for clout? For chaos? Or just plain old mischief?

Whatever the reason, it’s not funny.

Who Is Lere Paimo, Anyway?
For those who don’t know, Lere Paimo isn’t just any actor. He’s a pioneer. A legend. A man who’s been in the game since 1958—back when Nollywood was just a dream.

He’s the guy who brought us classics like Saworoide, Oleku, Ogbori Elemonso. The guy who’s won awards, directed films, and shaped an entire industry. And at 86? He’s still going strong.

So, when rumors of his death started circulating, it wasn’t just news—it was history being rewritten. And not in a good way.

The Lesson? Verify Before You Share
Here’s the thing about misinformation—it’s dangerous. One false post can send families into mourning. It can tarnish reputations. It can even kill careers.

The ANTP put it best: “Verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation.”

Because in a world where anyone can be a “journalist,” the truth matters more than ever.

So, what now?

Well, for starters—stop sharing unverified news. And if you see a post about a celebrity’s death? Check the source. Call the family. Wait for an official statement.

Because the next time this happens, it might not be a false alarm.