The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a copyright suit against gospel music superstar Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, affirming her as the sole author and owner of her globally acclaimed song, Way Maker.
In a judgment delivered by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024, the court rejected claims by music producer Michael Oluwole, who sought to be recognised as a co-author and co-owner of the song.
Oluwole had asked the court to declare him a joint owner of Way Maker, grant him an equitable share of revenues generated from the song through licences and assignments, award him ₦5 billion in general damages for the alleged infringement of his performer’s rights, and make other related orders.
However, the court held that the plaintiff failed to prove authorship or co-ownership of the musical work.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa found that Way Maker had already been written and publicly performed by Sinach, including at an earlier event in South Africa, before Oluwole was engaged to mix and master the song for its commercial album release in 2015.
The court ruled that Oluwole was hired under an oral agreement and was duly paid for the technical services he rendered.
The judge also noted that the plaintiff’s own testimony confirmed that Sinach brought an already completed song to him for production and mastering.
Describing the suit as “gold-digging and unmeritorious,” Justice Lewis-Allagoa dismissed all the plaintiff’s claims.
Sinach was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emeka Etiaba, alongside Omolola Aderolu and O.G. Ofomata, while Matthew Enilobo appeared for the plaintiff.