Court Confirms Sinach as Sole Owner of 'Way Maker'

On July 24, 2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a N5 billion copyright lawsuit filed by music producer Michael Oluwole against Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Joseph Egbu, known as Sinach.

Oluwole sought recognition as a co-author and co-owner of the song "Way Maker," claiming a share of its revenues and alleging infringement of his performer’s rights. However, the court found that Oluwole's role was limited to mixing and mastering an already existing work for commercial release, as Sinach had created and performed the song prior to engaging his services.

The judgment emphasized that copyright ownership belongs to the original creator of the work, and technical contributors do not automatically gain authorship rights. The court dismissed Oluwole's claims as unmeritorious, reaffirming Sinach's exclusive rights over the song under Nigeria's copyright laws.

Sinach and her husband, Joseph Egbu, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision.