‘Ogbori Elemoso’ Is Public History, Not Private Property – Fewchore Studios Clarifies

Fewchore Studios has issued a formal clarification in response to continuing public debate and media reports alleging that it unlawfully remade a creative work associated with veteran actor and theatre icon, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo (popularly known as Lere Paimo), allegedly with the backing of the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

In a detailed statement released on Thursday, the film production company dismissed the claims as misleading, insisting that Ogbori Elemoso is a matter of public history and not the exclusive intellectual property of any individual.

According to Fewchore Studios, Ogbori Elemoso refers to Soun Ogunlola, the founder and first king of Ogbomoso, whose story forms part of established Yoruba and Ogbomoso history. The company stressed that under Nigerian and international copyright law, historical facts, titles, folklore and names are in the public domain and may be freely researched and interpreted, provided that no one copies another person’s specific literary or cinematographic expression.

“The name and narrative of Ogbori Elemoso are not the intellectual property of any individual,” the statement said, adding that no one can lawfully claim exclusive ownership over the history of a town or its founding monarch.

Fewchore Studios categorically denied remaking, reproducing or adapting any film, script or creative material previously produced by Chief Osunpaimo. It stated that its project is an original historical film developed through independent research, and that any copyright held by the veteran actor remains limited strictly to his own prior works, none of which were used.

The company also confirmed that the project is being executed with the express written authorisation of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, whom it described as the custodian of Ogbomoso’s history. According to the studio, the initiative is designed to promote Ogbomoso’s cultural heritage, encourage indigene engagement, stimulate cultural tourism and support long-term socio-economic development through responsible historical storytelling.

Clarifying its engagements with Chief Osunpaimo, Fewchore Studios disclosed that two distinct meetings took place. At an initial meeting held at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland—documented on audio and video—the veteran actor reportedly expressed satisfaction with the project’s objectives and indicated willingness to participate, leading to provisional production dates being fixed.

However, the company said a subsequent meeting at Chief Osunpaimo’s residence resulted in a request for ?30 million. Fewchore Studios stated that it offered ?15 million strictly as a goodwill gift, in recognition of his past contributions to Nigerian theatre and his interest in the project, and not as payment for rights or ownership of history.

The studio explained that this understanding was formally documented in signed minutes confirming the sum as a gift, with ?7.5 million paid as an initial instalment in the presence of witnesses. It added that following later correspondence from Chief Osunpaimo’s legal representatives alleging copyright infringement and demanding that the project be discontinued, the actor withdrew from the agreed production dates and refunded the ?7.5 million earlier received.

Fewchore Studios further stated that there is no registered copyright or trademark in the name Ogbori Elemoso in favour of Chief Osunpaimo at the Nigerian Copyright Commission or any trademark registry, stressing that appeals to political or religious figures cannot create legal rights where none exist.

While acknowledging and respecting Chief Osunpaimo’s age and contributions to Nigerian cinema and theatre, the company expressed concern over what it described as narratives that omit signed records and mischaracterise a lawful historical project as copyright infringement.

As the controversy continues, Fewchore Studios reaffirmed its commitment to responsible Yoruba historical storytelling, pledging to engage honourably while firmly defending itself against false or misleading claims.