A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a copyright lawsuit filed against Sinach over her internationally acclaimed song Way Maker , ruling that the gospe...
A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a copyright lawsuit filed against Sinach over her internationally acclaimed song Way Maker, ruling that the gospel artiste is the sole author and owner of the musical work.
The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa in the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, brought to an end a case in which Michael Oluwole sought declarations that he was a co-author and co-owner of the song. The matter was filed under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024.
Michael Oluwole claimed to be an author and co-owner of Way Maker and asked the court to grant him an equitable share of all income earned from licences and assignments of the song. He also alleged infringement of his performer’s rights and sought ₦5 billion in general damages, together with other reliefs.
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In its ruling, the court found that the plaintiff failed to prove that he was either an author or co-owner of the musical work. Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that the evidence presented did not support the claims made in the lawsuit.
According to the judgment, Way Maker had already been created and performed by Sinach, including a performance in South Africa, before Michael Oluwole was engaged to mix and master the existing work for its commercial album release in 2015.
The court found that the plaintiff’s role was limited to providing technical production services under an oral agreement and that he received payment for those services.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa said copyright authorship belongs to the natural person who creates the original expressive elements of a musical work, including its melody, harmony, lyrics or arrangement. The court stated that a producer, recording engineer or session contributor does not automatically become an author by providing technical or instrumental support unless that person creates original expressive content.
The judgment further noted that the plaintiff’s own evidence and admissions during examination confirmed that Sinach brought an already existing song, which he then developed into a recorded musical work in exchange for an agreed fee.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa described the plaintiff’s case as “gold-digging and unmeritorious” before dismissing the entire suit. The ruling leaves intact Sinach’s ownership and authorship of Way Maker.
Sinach’s legal team was led by Emeka Etiaba, SAN, assisted by Omolola Aderolu and O.G. Ofomata, while Matthew Enilobo represented the plaintiff. Following the judgment, Joseph Egbu, Chairman of Slic Inspire Ltd and Gosgem Records, together with Sinach, expressed gratitude to the defence team for its representation. The judgment reaffirmed Sinach’s sole authorship and ownership of Way Maker.
