Veteran Yoruba actor, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” has passed away at the age of 86 in his hometown of Ogbomosho, Oyo State. The renowned actor had been bedridden for over three months due to age-related ailments before his death on November 28.

Born on November 19, 1939, in Ogbomosho, Chief Osunpaimo began his education in his hometown before proceeding to the Gold Coast (now Ghana) for further studies. He obtained a Teacher’s Grade Two certificate from a teacher training college and later worked as a classroom teacher in a Baptist Missionary School in Osogbo.

Chief Osunpaimo’s acting career spanned several decades, during which he featured in numerous prominent Yoruba films, earning him a reputation as one of the biggest figures in the industry. His contributions to the Nigerian film industry were recognized with a National Award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2005 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The actor’s stage name, “Eda Onile Ola,” was derived from his role in a play titled “Every Man,” which was translated from English to Yoruba. He played the lead role of a wealthy and hardworking man, and the name stuck, becoming synonymous with his persona.

In addition to his acting career, Chief Osunpaimo won a cash prize of N1,000,000 in a Nigerian game show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” in 2014. He also survived a partial stroke in 2013, which kept him out of the public eye for a while.

Chief Osunpaimo’s death marks the loss of a cultural icon and a significant figure in the Nigerian film industry. His contributions to the industry and his legacy will be remembered for years to come. As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues are paying tribute to his memory, celebrating his life and achievements.