Popular Nigerian gospel artist Pastor Dunsin Oyekan has voiced his frustration over the unauthorized re-upload of one of his songs on digital music platforms.
In a post shared on his X account, Oyekan revealed that the track, titled Code of Worship, which he originally released in 2022 as part of his album The Glory Experience, has been illegally re-published online without his permission.
He described the act as both “criminal and illegal,” urging his followers and music lovers to report the fraudulent upload wherever they find it.
“My X folks, I need you to help report and bring down a criminal and illegal upload on all digital platforms,” he wrote in the post.
“Someone released CODE OF WORSHIP again. I released it on THE GLORY EXPERIENCE album in 2022. Please wherever you find it, report immediately. Thanks.”
His post, which quickly gained traction among fans and fellow gospel artists, sheds light on a growing issue affecting both mainstream and gospel musicians alike—unauthorized distribution of their intellectual property.
Speaking further in a follow-up video, Oyekan expressed his disappointment, especially considering that gospel music, which is often created from a place of spiritual devotion, is now being exploited for dishonest gain.
“This is not just about a song,” he said. “It’s about the heart behind the worship. When people steal these songs, they’re not just robbing the artist—they’re disrupting something sacred.”
His passionate appeal resonated with many in the gospel music community who have long battled similar issues, albeit silently.
The gospel minister’s outcry reflects a broader challenge in the Nigerian music industry, where copyright infringements have become alarmingly common.
Despite the existence of the Nigerian Copyright Act, enforcement remains weak. Artists, especially those who rose to fame before the digital age, frequently fall victim to unauthorized uploads and poor licensing practices.
“You’d think gospel music would be spared,” one fan commented, “but even the sacred isn’t safe anymore.”
Legal recourse has also proven to be a daunting process for many artists. The case of juju legend King Sunny Ade against African Songs Limited, which dragged on for three decades, is a well-known example of how lengthy and discouraging the legal system can be.
With such drawn-out processes, many artists avoid the courts entirely, opting instead to publicly name and shame infringers in hopes of quick action and community support.
However, not all hope is lost. With the rise of digital streaming platforms, tools such as take-down notices have become essential in the fight against copyright abuse.
These platforms allow content owners to request the removal of illegally uploaded materials swiftly, bypassing some of the legal bottlenecks.
As Oyekan continues to encourage his audience to report the fake upload of Code of Worship, his experience serves as a reminder of the urgent need for more robust digital rights management and enforcement, even in spiritual music circles.
