Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, is one of the pioneers and most respected veterans of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He was born on 19 November 1939 in Ile Ikoyi Odan, Osupa, Ogbomoso, in present-day Oyo State. His father was a tobacco and yam farmer, while his mother was a trader. He attended school in Ogbomoso and later continued his education in the Gold Coast, now Ghana, where he obtained a Grade II Teachers’ Certificate. After returning to Nigeria, he worked as a teacher at a Baptist school in Osogbo.
Lere Paimo began his professional theatre journey around 1958–1960 when he joined the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He later joined Duro Ladipo’s Theatre Company, one of the leading Yoruba travelling theatre groups of that period. Under Duro Ladipo, he appeared in important stage productions such as Obamoro, playing Chief Basa.
His memorable performance in Eda, the Yoruba adaptation of Everyman, earned him the lifelong stage name Eda Onile Ola. He also participated in productions that promoted Yoruba history, traditional religion, music and culture in Nigeria and abroad.
Lere Paimo became widely celebrated for playing Soun Ogunola in the Yoruba historical production Ogbori Elemosho. The performance established him as an outstanding interpreter of kings, warriors and traditional leaders.
As Nigerian entertainment moved from travelling theatre to television, celluloid films and home video, he successfully moved with it. He became an actor, producer and director and appeared in notable productions including, Ogbori Elemosho, Ayo Ni Mo Fe, Oleku Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, The Campus Queen, Arugba and others
In recognition of his enormous contribution to Nigerian theatre and cinema, the Federal Government honoured him with the national title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2005.
Lere Paimo’s career spans more than six decades. He belongs to the generation that built the foundation of modern Yoruba theatre and helped connect traditional stage performance with today’s Nigerian film industry. His powerful voice, commanding presence and ability to portray traditional Yoruba characters have made him an enduring cultural icon.
Chief Lere Paimo is not merely an actor; he is a custodian of Yoruba history, language, theatre and cultural heritage.
