The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit filed by music producer Michael Oluwole, popularly known as Maye, against gospel singer Osinachi Joseph Egbu over the ownership of her globally celebrated song, Way Maker.
In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Oluwole claimed he was an author and co-owner of the song.
He sought an equitable share of all revenue generated from licences and assignments, alleged infringement of his performer’s rights, and demanded ₦5 billion in general damages alongside other reliefs.
Delivering judgment, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa ruled that the plaintiff failed to establish authorship or co-ownership of the musical work.
The court held that Way Maker had already been composed and performed by Sinach, including an earlier performance in South Africa, before Oluwole was engaged to mix and master the existing recording for its commercial album release in 2015.
It further found that he was paid for those technical services under an oral agreement.
The judge stressed that copyright authorship belongs to the natural person who creates the original expressive elements of a work, including its melody, harmony, lyrics, or arrangement.
The court noted that a producer, sound engineer, or session contributor does not automatically become an author simply by providing technical or instrumental input unless they contribute original expressive content.
The court also relied on the plaintiff’s own testimony and admissions during cross-examination, which showed that Sinach presented an already existing song that he later helped develop into a recorded version in exchange for payment.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa described the Plaintiff’s case as “gold-digging and unmeritorious” and dismissed the entire suit.
Represented by Emeka Etiaba (SAN), alongside Omolola Aderolu and O.G. Ofomata, Sinach consistently rejected the co-ownership allegations, maintaining that she is the sole author of Way Maker and that the producer had been fully compensated for his technical role in mixing the song.
She argued that she had already attained international recognition before Way Maker and maintained sole authorship of the composition, stating that it was written, arranged, and performed with other artists before the plaintiff became involved in the project.
Following the judgment, the Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd and Gosgem Records, Joseph Egbu, together with Sinach, expressed appreciation to the legal team led by Emeka Etiaba, SAN, for what they described as diligent and professional representation that secured the favourable verdict.
The judgment reaffirmed Sinach’s exclusive authorship and ownership of Way Maker.
Released to global acclaim, Way Maker became the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 100 million views on YouTube in March 2019.
The song has received several international honours, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year, has been translated into more than 50 languages, and has been recorded by over 60 Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music.
In 2020, Way Maker ranked among the most-played songs in churches across the United States and became an anthem during a protest march in Minneapolis held in honour of George Floyd.
The court’s decision is expected to serve as an important legal reference for future intellectual property disputes within Nigeria’s music industry.
