Veteran Yoruba actor Lere Paimo has disputed Pete Edochie’s account of when his acting career began, saying he entered the profession in 1958.
Drivetvnews gathered that the 86-year-old actor made the disclosure during an interview with fellow actor Kunle Afod, which was shared on YouTube on Monday.
Paimo’s claim comes after Edochie recently said his acting career began in 1962, when he was 15, citing his performance in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice as evidence.
Paimo said he was already involved in acting before Edochie started, recalling his encounter with legendary theatre practitioner Hubert Ogunde, whom he identified as one of the pioneers of Nigerian theatre.
He argued that the Yoruba travelling-theatre tradition predates English-language film production in Nigeria, noting that Ogunde used Yoruba-language productions to entertain and educate audiences.
Paimo, however, said he could not confirm whether another veteran theatre practitioner, Baba Olumegbon, began acting before Ogunde, adding that Ogunde was the earliest actor he personally knew.
Paimo began his career in Yoruba travelling theatre and worked with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before joining Duro Ladipo’s Theatre Group, where he played Chief Basa in the stage production Obamoro.
He later became a prominent figure in Yoruba theatre and film, particularly for his portrayal of Soun Ogunola in Ogbori Elemosho.
