Entertainment
ANTP Debunks Death Rumour On Veteran Actor Lere Paimo
The Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has dismissed viral rumours claiming that veteran actor, Chief Lere Paimo (MFR), popularly known as Baba Eda, has died.
Reports had circulated on Friday across social media, particularly Facebook, alleging that the iconic actor passed away.
However, ANTP’s National PRO, Prince Adejonwo Oluwafemi Femson, refuted the claim in a statement, insisting that Paimo is “alive and in good health.”
He wrote: “Baba Eda, Chief Lere Paimo MFR, is NOT dead. We would like to inform the public that reports circulating on Facebook about the passing of Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR) are FALSE. We have confirmed with Baba Eda Onile Ola’s wife that he is alive and in good health.”
The association urged Nigerians to ignore what it described as misinformation spread by “unscrupulous individuals.”
Femson added: “Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR), Chairman Board of Trustee, Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP), is alive and well. We urge everyone to verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation.”
Lere Paimo remains one of the most celebrated figures in indigenous Nigerian cinema. Renowned for his powerful screen presence and historical roles, his contributions to Yoruba theatre and filmmaking earned him national recognition.
Paimo began his acting career in 1958, joining the Oyin Adejobi theatre group, led by Pa Oyinade Adejobi. While teaching in Osogbo in 1960, he formally became part of the troupe, performing in churches, schools, and cultural clubs.
In 1961, playwright Duro Ladipo invited him to the Mbari Club, where his exceptional talent secured major roles. His breakthrough came in 1963 when he played the lead in the epic Yoruba film, “Ogbori Elemosho”, a role that cemented his legacy in Nigerian cinema.
Entertainment
I Won’t Trade My Values For Stardom – Actress Queeneth Agbor Denies Sleeping Her Way To Fame
Nollywood actress Queeneth Agbor has dismissed claims that she traded her dignity for fame, describing the rumours as malicious and absurd.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Agbor said she has learnt to shield her peace by ignoring social media falsehoods.
“Over the years, I’ve learnt to protect my inner peace like my life depends on it,” she said.
“I block social media dramas and refuse to address false narratives because, honestly, how many times can I correct lies? It’s their data, their cheap mindset, so I leave it as their headache, not mine.”
The actress said the speculations surrounding her love life are often so wild that even she finds them unbelievable.
“I’ve read things that even shocked me. Sometimes I wonder if it’s really me they’re talking about or there’s another me somewhere,” she said.
Agbor added that trolls have accused her of everything from having multiple marriages to dating extremely older men.
“I heard that I’ve been married twice with kids, dated someone’s husband for 20 years, and even dated a 90-year-old man — at what age? Nine? Lol,” she said.
“I’m not correcting misconceptions because even if I do, it will still be twisted. Let them fabricate lies; it’s their headache. And if anyone is dumb enough to believe it, that’s on them too.”
Speaking on challenges in the industry, Agbor recounted an experience with a top Nollywood producer who pressured her for a relationship.
“There was a big-time producer who wanted me as if his life depended on it. I was frustrated, but my values wouldn’t allow me to cross that line,” she recalled.
Agbor said she sought guidance from her late mother, who encouraged her to respond with wisdom rather than fear.
“My mum prayed for me, gave me wise advice, and even sent me money to buy him a drink, telling me to ask him to bless me as my industry father. I did exactly that. He prayed and blessed me. That moment strengthened my resilience, and it shapes my career to this day.”
On maintaining her sanity, Agbor said she prioritises her emotional wellbeing above everything else.
“I love myself too much to negotiate peace. The moment I sense toxicity, I’m out even before confirming if it’s real or just an oversight,” she said.