Prominent Nigerian entertainment and intellectual-property lawyer Rockson Igelige has died at 55. Filmmaker Zeb Ejiro and politician and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed his passing in separate Facebook posts on Friday.
Colleagues Mourn a Legal Luminary
Neither Ejiro nor Sowore disclosed the cause of death, but both described Igelige as a great friend and a fantastic lawyer. “My brother, Rockson Igelige, why? This hit me hard! I have lost a brother and a dear friend. We have lost the best IP Lawyer in Africa,” Ejiro wrote. He added, “The great Isoko Nation just lost a legal luminary. How did this happen? I am tired. Shocked!”
Sowore, an Ondo-born politician, described Igelige as a courageous and compassionate man whose memory would remain with those who knew him. He prayed for the lawyer’s soul and asked God to grant him eternal rest. “So sad. A great friend of mine, a fantastic lawyer, and simply a great human being has passed away. The death of Rockson Igelige ‘Rocky’ is a truly painful loss. He was a man of courage and compassion whose impact will not be forgotten by those privileged to know him. May Rockson Igelige rest in power!” Sowore said.
A Career Marked by Intellectual Property Advocacy
Until his death, Igelige maintained a strong relationship with PREMIUM TIMES’ Entertainment Desk, providing insight and clarification on industry-related matters. He frequently discussed copyright law, including the controversy surrounding skit maker Brain Jotter’s use of veteran singer Mike Ejeagha’s “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” in “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” which became popular through a TikTok dance challenge.
Igelige also handled intellectual property matters for prominent Nollywood figures. He served as counsel to filmmaker Zeb Ejiro in his legal dispute with actress Ann Njemanze over the name “Domitilla” before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. He also commented on the dispute between VeryDarkMan and Blord over the use of “Ratel,” explaining that trademark registration does not automatically prevent everyone from using a particular word or name. He noted that the protection attached to a trademark depends largely on the class of goods or services covered by the registration.
Educating Artists and Founding the Friends of the Creator Foundation
Igelige used his experience to educate upcoming artistes on legal precautions before entering agreements with record labels, particularly around contracts, ownership, and intellectual property. In 2017, he founded the Friends of the Creator Foundation in Oleh, Delta State. The organisation focused on intellectual property advocacy, education, research, and support for creators, while also promoting copyright awareness among young people and law students.
His work earned international recognition. Through the Friends of the Creator (Artistic) Foundation, Igelige became one of the signatories to the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Mediation Pledge.
Early Life and Political Career
Born and raised in Oleh, Delta State, Igelige received his early education at Odoro Primary School and Emore Grammar School, Oleh. He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Benin from 1992 to 1996, attributing this choice to his longstanding passion for the entertainment industry. He subsequently studied Law at the Oleh Campus of Delta State University and completed his legal education at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. He later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Entertainment Law from the University of Westminster in London.
Beyond his legal career, Igelige ventured into politics after Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. He won a seat as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillor representing Oleh Ward 1 in Isoko South Local Government Area. He first served as Supervisory Councillor for Health before becoming Speaker and Leader of the local government legislative house, a position he held from 1999 to 2012. In 2019, he called for the establishment of specialised courts to handle intellectual property infringement and internet fraud cases, arguing that quicker trials and appropriate sanctions would help curb such offences.
As of the time of filing this report, the Igelige family had not released an official statement concerning his death.
