OGBORI ELEMOSO REMAKE: FEWCHORE REJECTS NOLLYWOOD VETERAN, LERE PAIMO’S COPYRIGHT CLAIM
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Fewchore Studios has denied allegations that it unlawfully remade the classic Yoruba film Ogbori Elemoso, insisting that its project is an original historical production based on independent research and duly authorized by the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The clarification follows claims by veteran Nollywood actor, Chief Olalere Paimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” who alleged that his intellectual property was being exploited without his consent.
Paimo had claimed that Ogbori Elemoso, a historical Yoruba film produced in the early 1980s, was being remade without his permission.
The film, which brought him national recognition and earned him the chieftaincy title of Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, is widely regarded as central to his career and to the emergence of historical drama in Nollywood.
He had appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other prominent Nigerians to intervene, describing the alleged infringement as an attempt to undermine his legacy.
In a statement obtained by HOTJIST on Thursday, Fewchore said the name and narrative of Ogbori Elemoso relate to Soun Ogunlola, the founder and first king of Ogbomoso, and are part of established history.
“No individual can lawfully claim exclusive ownership over the history of a town or its founding monarch.
“We have not remade or reproduced any film, script, or creative work by Chief Olalere Osunpaimo, nor used any of his proprietary materials.
“The project is an original historical film developed from independent research,” the studio said.
Fewchore noted that any copyright held by Osunpaimo is limited to his previous works, none of which, it said, was used or adapted in the project.
It added that the production is being carried out with the approval of the relevant traditional authorities.
“Fewchore Studios is executing the project with the express written authorisation of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland and custodian of its history, to promote Ogbomoso’s cultural heritage, encourage indigene engagement, stimulate cultural tourism, and support long-term socio-economic development through responsible historical storytelling,” it said.
The studio also addressed financial dealings with Paimo, stating that he requested a sum that was negotiated, leading to an agreement.
“A separate meeting later held at his residence resulted in his request for ₦30 million, following which Fewchore Studios offered ₦15 million strictly as a goodwill gift in recognition of his past contributions and interest in the project.
“This was accepted, formally documented in signed minutes confirming it was a gift and not payment for rights or history, with ₦7.5 million paid as an initial installment in the presence of witnesses,” the studio stated.
Fewchore said Paimo later withdrew from the project after legal correspondence from his representatives.
“Subsequently, following correspondence from Chief Osunpaimo’s legal representatives, alleging copyright infringement and demanding discontinuance, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo withdrew from the agreed-upon production dates and refunded the ₦7.5 million that had been received earlier,” the studio said.
Reaffirming its stance, Fewchore said it remains committed to “responsible Yoruba historical storytelling” and maintained that the project was carried out transparently, “not through coercion, exploitation, or unlawful appropriation.”
The studio concluded that “no individual can claim ownership over a town’s history” and reiterated its commitment to “responsible Yoruba historical storytelling” while dismissing what it described as “false or misleading claims.”
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