The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a N5 billion copyright infringement lawsuit filed by music producer Michael 'Maye' Oluwole against gospel artiste Osinachi 'Sinach' Egbu over her globally acclaimed hit, 'Way Maker'. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa delivered the judgment on Friday, ruling that Oluwole failed to establish any legal basis for claiming co-authorship or co-ownership of the song.
The suit, numbered FHC/L/CS/402/2024, sought to declare Oluwole a co-author and co-owner of the song, alongside a share of all revenue generated from licensing and copyright exploitation. The producer also demanded N5 billion in general damages for alleged infringement of his performer's rights. The court, however, found that Sinach had already written, arranged, and performed 'Way Maker' before Oluwole's involvement, limiting his role to mixing and mastering the commercially released version of the track.
Court Ruling on Copyright Authorship
Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that Oluwole failed to prove he contributed any original creative expression to the song. The judge explained that copyright authorship belongs to the person who creates the original expressive elements of a work, including its melody, lyrics, harmony, or arrangement. He further ruled that producers, sound engineers, or session contributors do not automatically become authors of a musical work simply by providing technical production services, unless they contribute original creative expression.
The court also noted that Oluwole had already been compensated for his technical services. As a result, all claims were dismissed for lacking merit. This ruling reinforces a crucial principle in Nigerian copyright law: technical assistance does not equate to creative authorship.
Producer's Claims and Defence Arguments
Oluwole, represented by lawyer Justin Ige, argued that his role extended beyond mixing and mastering. He claimed he participated in recording sessions and added instrumental elements to the track. He further argued that the absence of a written agreement defining ownership meant both parties should share the song's proceeds equally.
Sinach's legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Emeka Etiaba, countered that the singer had completed the writing, arrangement, and performance of 'Way Maker' before Oluwole became involved. According to the defence, the producer's contribution was strictly technical and did not entitle him to ownership rights in the composition. The court sided with Sinach, rejecting Oluwole's arguments as unsupported by evidence.
Global Impact of 'Way Maker'
Released in 2015, 'Way Maker' gained international prominence after being recorded by several gospel artistes, including Michael W. Smith and Leeland. The song has been translated into multiple languages and has received worldwide recognition, cementing its status as one of Nigeria's most successful gospel exports. Its reach extended beyond the church, earning the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year in 2020 and elevating Sinach to superstar status.
The legal battle attracted significant attention due to the song's global success. Premium Times reported in November 2024 that Oluwole had sued Sinach, claiming he contributed original creative elements to the track. The case highlighted the often-contentious issue of songwriting credits in the music industry, particularly when producers and engineers work closely with artistes.
Reaction from Sinach's Camp
Following the judgment, Sinach's husband and manager, Joseph Egbu, welcomed the decision. According to Egbu, the ruling is a vindication of the creative integrity and ownership of the work. Egbu heads Slic Inspire Limited and Gosgem Records, the companies that oversee the singer's music catalogue. His response underscores the relief felt by the singer's team, who have consistently maintained that Oluwole was a paid producer with no claim to the song's intellectual property.
The dismissal of the suit closes a contentious chapter in the story of 'Way Maker', but it also sets a precedent for how similar copyright disputes may be resolved in Nigerian courts. For Sinach, the victory protects the legacy of a song that has become a global anthem of faith.
