Veteran Nollywood actor Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onileola, has reportedly passed away at the age of 86.

Gossip News Now reports that the news was confirmed by celebrity journalist and Best of Nollywood Awards Chairman, Seun Oleketuyi, via an Instagram post on Saturday. According to Oleketuyi, Paimo, a cultural icon, had survived two strokes prior to his death.

He wrote:
“Chief Lere Paimo (MON) is dead. Baba died at age 86. A strong man. Baba survived stroke twice. May Baba’s soul rest in peace.”

Born in September 1939 in Oyo State, Paimo was one of the most influential figures in Yoruba theatre and film, with a career spanning over six decades. He began acting in 1958 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before joining the Duro Ladipo Theatre, where he starred in major productions, including the stage play Obamoro, portraying “Chief Basa.”

Paimo rose to national prominence with his lead role as Soun Ogunola in the Yoruba epic Ogbori Elemosho, establishing himself as a household name in traditional theatre and film.

Since 1963, he has featured in, produced, and directed numerous acclaimed Yoruba films, including Agogo Eewo (2002), The Narrow Path (2006), Moremi Ajasoro (2009), Saworoide (1999), O Le Ku (1997), The Campus Queen (2004), and Arugba (2008).

In recognition of his contributions to Nigerian cinema, Paimo was awarded the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. He also won ₦1 million on the TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2014.

Lere Paimo’s legacy as a pioneering actor and cultural ambassador leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian film industry.