Court Rules Sinach Sole Owner of "Way Maker" Song

On July 24, 2026, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, dismissed a ₦5 billion copyright lawsuit filed by music producer Michael Oluwole against gospel artist Sinach.

The court ruled that Sinach is the sole author and copyright owner of the hit song "Way Maker." Oluwole claimed co-authorship and sought a share of the income generated from the song, alleging infringement of his performer's rights. However, the court found that Sinach had written and performed the song prior to Oluwole's involvement, which was limited to mixing and mastering the recording for its commercial release in 2015.

The judgment emphasized that copyright ownership is attributed to the creator of original elements of a musical work, and merely providing technical support does not confer authorship. The court dismissed Oluwole's claims as "gold digging and unmeritorious," and the suit was rejected in its entirety.