Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has publicly called out Power Oil over the alleged continued use of her photos in advertisements and campaigns, four years after her endorsement contract with the company expired. In an Instagram post, the actress questioned why the brand continues to use her image without compensation or consultation with her team, and urged the company to respond to her representatives.
Allegations of Unauthorised Image Use
Mercy Johnson alleged that Power Oil has continued to display her image on billboards and buses despite the expiration of her contract. She expressed frustration over seeing her photos in public spaces, questioning whether the brand would engage in similar practices in India, where the company's parent group has roots. The actress said she has not been paid or compensated for the use of her image after the contract ended.
In her Instagram post, Mercy Johnson wrote: “Help me ask @poweroilng why? It has been years; I have not been paid or compensated for my image being used after my contract expired. You are still pushing ads with my image on them without consulting me. Why? Please check your dm and revert to my team. Let us not play in dirty waters. Enough is Enough.”
Contract Details and Public Display
Mercy Johnson did not disclose the specific terms of her original agreement with the brand, but confirmed that her contract expired four years ago. According to the actress, the company has continued to display her image on public advertisements despite the expiration of their agreement. She further expressed her frustration over seeing her photos on buses and billboards, questioning whether a similar situation would be tolerated in India, where the company’s parent group has roots.
“They have my face on buses, billboards, what have you? 4 years after my contract expired. The lawlessness. Can you do this in India, your country?” she added.
Industry Context and Next Steps
The actress’s complaint comes amid growing attention to the use of celebrities’ names, likenesses and images in commercial advertising. For entertainers, endorsement deals typically grant brands specific rights to use their image for an agreed period and under defined terms. Continued use after an agreement expires can raise questions about consent, compensation and the scope of the original contract.
Mercy Johnson has now asked the brand to respond to her team as she seeks an explanation for the continued use of her image. The outcome of her request remains pending as Power Oil has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
