Veteran Yoruba actor, Lere Paimo has disputed recent claims about seniority in the Nigerian film industry, stating that he began his acting career several years before fellow veteran actor Pete Edochie.

Paimo, popularly known as “Eda Onile Ola,” said he started acting in 1958 through the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, long before the emergence of Nollywood and years before Edochie’s acting career began.

His remarks come amid a growing debate over seniority and longevity in the Nigerian entertainment industry following comments by Edochie about his decades-long contribution to acting.

Paimo maintained that while Edochie remains one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, historical records show that several performers from the travelling theatre era were already active before him.

The actor’s comments have generated discussions among fans and industry stakeholders, with many highlighting the contributions of different generations of performers to the growth of Nigerian theatre and cinema.

The debate has also renewed public interest in the history of Nigerian acting, particularly the role played by pioneers of stage theatre whose work laid the foundation for the modern film industry.