A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a N5 billion copyright suit filed against acclaimed Nigerian gospel artist Osinachi Joseph Egbu, professionally known as Sinach, affirming her as the sole author and copyright owner of the globally celebrated worship anthem, “Way Maker.”
Music producer Michael Oluwole had initiated legal action in March 2024, seeking to be recognized as a co-author and co-owner of the track alongside demanding a share of its revenue and billions in damages for alleged infringement.
High Court rules technical production does not grant copyright ownership
In a judgment delivered on July 24, 2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa ruled that the plaintiff failed to establish any claim of co-authorship, noting that evidence showed Sinach had already composed and performed the song internationally before hiring the producer. The court established that Oluwole’s role was strictly limited to mixing and mastering an existing composition after being contracted and paid for his professional services.
“Technical contributors such as producers, engineers, and sound technicians do not automatically become authors unless they contribute original expressive content,” Justice Lewis-Allagoa said, emphasizing that copyright belongs to the person responsible for the work’s original melody, harmony, lyrics, or arrangement.
Describing the lawsuit as unmeritorious, the judge dismissed all claims and reaffirmed that Sinach holds exclusive global rights over the reproduction, distribution, performance, and licensing of the song under Nigerian copyright law. Reacting to the verdict, the singer and her husband, Joseph Egbu, expressed deep satisfaction with the court’s decision to uphold the integrity of original creators.
