Lere Paimo Blasts Jide Kosoko & Others For Blacklisting Him For Refusing To Leave ANTP, Praises Kunle Afolayan
Lere Paimo & Baba Wande Blacklisted From Yoruba Movie Industry By TAMPAN For Refusing To Quit ANTP
Veteran Nollywood actor Lere Paimo, popularly called Eda Onileola, is one of the ageless actors whose works have stood the test of time. Despite the challenges that have come his way, Eda says he has every reason to thank God for a successful career, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA.
You have not been active in movies in recent times?
I am still acting. We just finished a series that will be aired for a year by Galaxy Television. The drama series is currently running on the station, precisely on Thursday by 8:30pm. We are not resting, because we have already completed the series. Currently, we are warming up to embark on another drama series . The title is Omi Ogbon and it is full of wisdom as the name implies. I derive joy in producing works that will boost knowledge, affect lives positively and promote culture and values
How did you get this offer?
The owner of Galaxy TV, Chief Ojo, who is a good friend of mine, gave me the offer. For someone to have given a year offer is not ordinary, but a true love. He even told us to bring a proposal for another one year series. So, you can see that I am not retiring.
Some people have suggested that you retire from acting since you are hardly seen in the mainstream filmmaking?
You are right. Despite the fact that I hardly feature in the mainstream these days, that does not mean that I have retired or quit acting. I can never quit; this is my calling and I will continue to act until God’s time. I turned down offers to feature in some works because some of them or the stories had no meat.
How do you mean by they lacked meat?
Some of the jobs did not have good messages and lacked cultural values. Except for Kunle Afolayan, who has good manners, he is the only person that I would not hesitate to work with if he calls me. Others don’t fear God and they don’t want to reckon with elders and this is why we have kept them in their space.
But it was reported that you were deliberately sidelined because you were causing problems in the association. Is the report true?
That is not true. Meanwhile, I am not the only person that is sidelined; Baba Wande and a couple of elders in the industry are also sidelined, because of association issues. The situation became messier when they left the indigenous association, the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP), to form the Theatre and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). I made them realise that I would not leave ANTP that the late Ogunde founded. This is why they said they would not feature us again. So far, I have no regrets being sidelined from acting for about six years. I thank God for His faithfulness, because despite all these, I have not turned a beggar nor gone hungry. God has not turned against us. I have every reason to thank God, because their plans didn’t work. I have not lost my place as a veteran in the industry. Though I may not be wealthy. I appreciate God for what I have been able achieve in this profession and the good things He will still do for me.
What is your take on ANTP?
The association still exists and is formidable. I foresee an association that would have a selfless leader and well-committed members. Everyone needs to check themselves and ask questions whether what they are doing is right or wrong. We need to remove sentiments or selfish interest if we desire to let the association grow, as well as to leave a worthy legacy behind.
You travelled abroad recently. What informed the trip?
Contrary to the rumours doing the rounds that I went for a life-saving trip. I am hale and hearty. I was healthy and sound before I left the country and even when I returned, nothing has changed. Mere looking at me, did you see any sign of illness? No, I don’t care about what they say.
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