The legal dispute over the authorship and ownership of the globally celebrated gospel song, “Way Maker,” has been resolved in favour of Nigerian gospel singer Sinach (Osinachi Joseph Egbu), with a Federal High Court in Lagos affirming her as the sole author and copyright owner of the award-winning track.
Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court ruled that Sinach exclusively owns the copyright to the internationally acclaimed gospel anthem, bringing an end to the copyright battle over one of Nigeria’s most successful gospel songs.
The case arose after music producer Michael Oluwole, who worked on the production of the song, filed Suit No. FHC/L/CS/402/2024 on March 8, 2024, claiming he was a co-author and co-owner of Way Maker.
Through his lawyer, Matthew Enilobo, Oluwole argued that he contributed significantly to the creation of the song and should be recognised as a joint copyright owner. He also sought equitable sharing of all royalties, licence fees and proceeds generated from the song.
The producer further alleged that his performer’s rights had been infringed upon, claiming he performed the accompanying and underlying musical instruments featured in the sound recording. He asked the court to award him N5 billion in general damages and sought a perpetual injunction restraining Sinach from actions he considered to be in violation of his claimed rights.
However, the Federal High Court rejected the producer’s claims, ruling in favour of Sinach and affirming that she remains the sole author and copyright owner of Way Maker.
The judgment effectively settles the long-running legal battle over one of the most influential gospel songs to emerge from Nigeria, a song that has earned widespread international recognition and multiple awards.
