Court Affirms Sinach's Ownership of "Way Maker" Song

On March 8, 2024, Michael Oluwole, known as Maye, filed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit against gospel artiste Sinach in the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking recognition as a co-author and co-owner of her song "Way Maker." Formal proceedings began on November 27, 2024. Sinach's counsel, Emeka Etiaba, SAN, denied the allegations, asserting her sole authorship of the song, which was composed and arranged with other artistes, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Oluwole's involvement.

The court, presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, ruled that Oluwole failed to demonstrate authorship or co-ownership, noting that Sinach originally created the song and had engaged Oluwole only for mixing and mastering services under an oral agreement.

The court emphasized that copyright law attributes authorship to the individual who created the original content. "Way Maker" has been translated into over 50 languages and won the Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards in 2020.