A fresh controversy has erupted in Nigeria's film industry over the portrayal of a legendary Yoruba king. Fewchore Studios has publicly defended its new production about Soun Ogunlola, the founder of Ogbomoso, stating it is not a remake of the 1980s classic film Ogbori Elemoso starring veteran actor Chief Olalere Paimo.
Clarification Follows Allegations from Veteran Actor
The studio's statement, released on December 18, 2025, comes directly in response to claims made by Chief Olalere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola. Paimo had earlier appealed to prominent figures including Governor Seyi Makinde and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, alleging that his intellectual property was being infringed upon without his consent. He described the situation as an attempt to undermine his cinematic legacy.
In a firm rebuttal, Fewchore Studios argued that the historical narrative of Ogbori Elemoso is part of the collective heritage of Ogbomoso and cannot be owned by any single individual. The studio explicitly denied using any of Paimo's creative materials, scripts, or proprietary work.
Project Backed by Royal Authority and Aimed at Cultural Preservation
The production company emphasised that its project is an original historical film developed from independent research. Crucially, it is being executed with the express written authorisation of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the current Soun of Ogbomosoland and the custodian of the town's history.
The studio outlined the project's broader goals, which extend beyond entertainment. The film aims to promote Ogbomoso's cultural heritage, encourage engagement from indigenes, stimulate cultural tourism, and support long-term socio-economic development through responsible storytelling.
Goodwill Gift, Not Rights Payment: Studio Explains Financial Interaction
Addressing reports of financial discussions with Chief Paimo, Fewchore Studios provided a detailed account. The studio confirmed that a meeting was held at Paimo's residence where he requested ₦30 million. In response, Fewchore Studios offered ₦15 million, which it insists was strictly a goodwill gift to honour Paimo's past contributions and his interest in the project.
This offer was accepted and formally documented in signed minutes that clearly stated the sum was a gift, not a payment for rights or history. An initial instalment of ₦7.5 million was paid in the presence of witnesses. However, the situation changed after Paimo's legal team became involved.
Following correspondence from his legal representatives alleging copyright infringement and demanding the project's discontinuation, Chief Paimo withdrew from agreed production dates and refunded the ₦7.5 million he had received.
Reiterating its core position, Fewchore Studios maintained that its project is a transparent effort to preserve Yoruba heritage. The company stands by its view that no individual can claim exclusive ownership over a town's history, framing the film as a celebration of Ogbomoso's roots for future generations.
