Ogbomosoland Palace Dismisses Lere Paimo’s Claims Over Ogbórí Elemoso Film
The Ogbomosoland Palace has issued a strong rebuttal to claims made by veteran Nigerian actor Lere Paimo regarding the upcoming film Ogbórí Elemoso, clarifying that reports suggesting payments for copyright ownership were made are incorrect and misleading.
In a statement released by palace officials, it was stressed that the historical and cultural heritage of Ogbomosoland belongs to the people collectively and cannot be claimed exclusively by any individual.
The Palace noted that while the upcoming movie draws inspiration from the history and legends of the town, it features a different title, a distinct storyline, and a separate plot structure, ensuring that it is a creative reinterpretation rather than a direct adaptation of any one person’s account.
“As the custodian of the people’s history and culture, His Imperial Majesty affirms that history is dynamic, not static,” the Palace said. “The intention has never been to distort or appropriate history, but to allow diverse perspectives to coexist within a creatively reimagined narrative.”
The Palace also acknowledged that Baba Lere Paimo had previously shared his version of the Ogbórí Elemoso story during various cultural engagements.
However, officials emphasized that the forthcoming film, scheduled for release next year, is not intended to serve as an exclusive retelling of Paimo’s account, but rather to showcase the broader history of Ogbomosoland in a way that is respectful, accurate, and suitable for a global audience.
Addressing public misunderstandings, the Palace clarified that the situation does not constitute a legal dispute. It suggested that a private dialogue between parties could have resolved the matter more effectively than public statements, but the clarification became necessary to curb misinformation and prevent misconceptions about the film and the town’s cultural heritage.
The statement further highlighted the Palace’s commitment to promoting creative works that reflect Ogbomosoland’s heritage, emphasizing that cultural preservation and artistic expression can coexist.
“Our objective is to preserve the dignity of Ogbomosoland’s history while allowing creative storytellers to project our culture to audiences worldwide,” the Palace added.
This response comes amid growing interest in Nigerian historical films and Nollywood productions that explore local legends, with Ogbórí Elemoso poised to contribute to the increasing visibility of Ogbomosoland’s rich cultural narratives.
