Matilda Omonaiye/
Fewchore Studios has dismissed allegations that it illegally remade a film on Ogbori Elemoso with the backing of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, insisting that the project is an original historical work rooted in public-domain history and not the intellectual property of any individual.
In a rebuttal issued today, the studio described recent media reports, which quoted veteran actor and filmmaker, Chief Olalere Osunpaimo (popularly known as Lere Paimo) as misleading and incomplete, arguing that they misrepresented both the facts and the law governing historical storytelling.
According to Fewchore Studios, Ogbori Elemoso refers to Soun Ogunlola, the founder and first king of Ogbomoso, a figure firmly embedded in Yoruba and Ogbomoso history. The studio stressed that under Nigerian and international copyright law, historical facts, titles, folklore, and names remain in the public domain and cannot be monopolised by any individual.
“No one can lawfully claim exclusive ownership over the history of a town or its founding monarch,” the studio stated, adding that it neither remade nor reproduced any film, script, or creative material previously produced by Chief Osunpaimo.
Fewchore explained that its film project was independently researched and developed, and that any copyright held by Chief Osunpaimo remains limited strictly to his own earlier creative works, none of which, it said, were copied, adapted, or referenced.
The studio further confirmed that the project has the express written authorisation of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, in his capacity as custodian of Ogbomoso history.
According to the company, the film is intended to promote cultural heritage, encourage indigene participation, boost cultural tourism, and contribute to long-term socio-economic development through responsible historical storytelling.
Clarifying the financial aspect that has generated public controversy, Fewchore Studios revealed that two distinct engagements took place with Chief Osunpaimo. At an initial meeting at the Soun’s palace, 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 scheduled.
However, at a subsequent meeting at Chief Osunpaimo’s residence, he reportedly requested a sum of ₦30 million. Fewchore said it responded by offering ₦15 million strictly as a goodwill gift in recognition of his past contributions and interest in the project, not as payment for rights or ownership of history. Signed minutes, the studio said, clearly documented this understanding, with ₦7.5 million paid as an initial instalment in the presence of witnesses.
The studio disclosed that following a later letter from Chief Osunpaimo’s lawyers alleging copyright infringement and demanding that the project be halted, the actor withdrew from the agreed production schedule and refunded the ₦7.5 million earlier received.
Fewchore Studios also rejected claims that the name Ogbori Elemoso is legally protected in Chief Osunpaimo’s favour, stating that there is no registered copyright or trademark for the name at the Nigerian Copyright Commission or any trademark registry.
“Appeals to political or religious figures cannot create rights where none exist in law,” the company said, expressing concern over what it described as narratives that omit signed records and portray a lawful historical project as unlawful appropriation.
While acknowledging Chief Osunpaimo’s age and contributions to Nigerian cinema, Fewchore Studios maintained that respect for elders cannot override legal facts.
“As we move forward, we remain committed to responsible Yoruba historical storytelling,” the statement concluded, “engaging honourably while firmly defending ourselves against false or misleading claims.”
The rebuttal comes amid public debate generated by earlier reports in which Chief Osunpaimo was seeking the intervention of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other prominent figures over the alleged “illegal remake” of Ogbori Elemoso.
0Related posts:
Ogbori Elemoso: Lere Paimo Seeks Makinde, Adeboye’s Intervention over Alleged Illegal Remake Backed by Soun
How (and Where) to Watch Oscar-nominated Films Online
Filmmaker Demands N25m from DSTV for Copyright Infringement
Copyright Infringement: Court Awards Musician N20M Damages Against MTN, 2 Others
Video: Soun Designate, Ghandi Olaoye, Arrives Ogbomoso Palace
Biggest Killer of Young Men in Britain Unmasked with 84 Statues