Ogbori Elemoso matter: Firm denies Nollywood veteran Paimo’s copyright claim

Fewchore Studios has denied claims that it unlawfully remade the classic Yoruba film, Ogbori Elemoso.

It insisted that the project is an original historical production developed from independent research and authorised by the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

The clarification follows allegations by veteran Nollywood actor, Chief Olalere Paimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” who said his intellectual property was being exploited without consent.

The controversy follows Paimo’s claim that Ogbori Elemoso, a historical Yoruba film produced in the early 1980s, was being remade without his permission.

The film, which earned him national recognition and his chieftaincy title, Are Arobajo of Ogbomoso, is widely regarded as pivotal to his career and the establishment of historical drama in Nollywood.

Paimo had appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and other prominent Nigerians to intervene in the matter, describing the alleged infringement as an attempt to undermine his legacy.

Fewchore said the name and narrative of Ogbori Elemoso refer to Soun Ogunlola, the founder and first king of Ogbomoso, and form 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.

It said any copyright held by Osunpaimo remains limited to his own prior work, none of which has been used or adapted.

Fewchore added that the project is being executed with the permission of the traditional rulers involved.

“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 interactions with Paimo, stating that he requested a sum, which was negotiated, and an amount was agreed upon.

“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 instalment in the presence of witnesses,” the studio stated.

Fewchore stressed that Paimo subsequently withdrew from the project following 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.

Fewchore reaffirmed its commitment to “responsible Yoruba historical storytelling” and said it conducted the project transparently, “not through coercion, exploitation, or unlawful appropriation.”

Fewchore concluded that “no individual can claim ownership over a town’s history” and reaffirmed its commitment to “responsible Yoruba historical storytelling” while defending itself against what it described as “false or misleading claims.”