Lere Paimo Challenges Pete Edochie's Nollywood Claims

Veteran Yoruba actor Lere Paimo has contested Pete Edochie's assertion regarding seniority in Nollywood, stating that Yoruba theatre predates English-language productions. In a YouTube interview with Kunle Afod, the 86-year-old Paimo revealed that he began his acting career in 1958, four years before Edochie's claimed start in 1962 at age 15.

The debate was sparked by Edochie's challenge to prove anyone acted before him, referencing his role in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Paimo traced the origins of Nollywood to the Yoruba travelling theatre tradition, highlighting Hubert Ogunde's contributions since the 1940s.

He noted that Ogunde was the first significant figure in Yoruba cinema, producing films in the Yoruba language to educate audiences. Paimo's career included work with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and Duro Ladipo’s group, where he gained fame for his role as Soun Ogunola in the classic movie Ogbori Elemosho.