A recent controversy involving renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has ignited widespread discussions about originality and intellectual property in the Nigerian film industry.
The issue arose when Oboli’s latest YouTube film was removed from her channel following accusations that it bore striking similarities to another YouTube movie titled Hope Given. In response to the allegations, Oboli issued a heartfelt apology via Instagram, clarifying the circumstances and reaffirming her commitment to integrity and originality.
The incident has not only shone a spotlight on ethical issues within Nollywood but also sparked debates about the responsibilities of filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers in maintaining industry standards.
In her public statement, Omoni Oboli expressed deep regret over the unfortunate situation, explaining that the script for her film was purchased in good faith from a screenwriter. “I am saddened and deeply apologetic for this incident,” she said.
“As a filmmaker, originality is at the core of my craft, and I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.” Oboli revealed that the script had been sold to her under the impression of exclusivity, only to later discover that it had been previously sold to another producer in 2022. The revelation left her shocked and disappointed, prompting her immediate decision to remove the film from her channel.
Oboli’s swift action and candid response have been widely praised as a demonstration of professionalism and integrity. Many within the industry lauded her for addressing the issue transparently and taking the necessary steps to rectify it.
In her statement, she emphasized her dismay at being caught in such an ethical breach, even as an unwitting participant. “This situation has opened my eyes to the growing need for stricter measures to protect filmmakers and writers from unscrupulous practices,” she stated. Her comments resonate with the broader challenges faced by Nollywood creatives in navigating the murky waters of intellectual property rights.
Adding more clarity to the controversy, Susan Jimah, the producer of Hope Given and owner of Susan Jimah TV, confirmed in Oboli’s Instagram comment section that the script in question had been sold to her by screenwriter Jayne Nwachukwu in 2022 for 70,000 naira.
In her message, Jimah expressed understanding and appreciation for Oboli’s response. “Good day Ma’am @omonioboli,” Jimah wrote.
“The said script was sold to @Susanjimah in 2022 by @jayne_Nwanchukwu and has long been aired on Susan Jimah TV for over a year now with the title Hope Given. It has also come to our notice that the same script has been given to another YouTube channel again with a totally different title.” Jimah concluded by applauding Oboli for her integrity in addressing the matter publicly.
This revelation has drawn attention to a disturbing trend in Nollywood, where some scriptwriters resell their work despite contractual agreements prohibiting such practices.
The case of Jayne Nwachukwu, who reportedly became unreachable after the controversy surfaced, highlights the vulnerability of producers and filmmakers to these unethical acts. Many industry observers have called for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard intellectual property and prevent similar incidents.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us in the industry,” one filmmaker commented online. “We need to establish stronger systems to ensure accountability and fairness.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, it has sparked a broader conversation about trust, professionalism, and ethical standards in Nollywood. Omoni Oboli’s decision to take down the film and publicly address the issue has set a powerful example, prompting other industry stakeholders to reflect on their practices.
“We must work together to create an environment where originality and intellectual property are respected,” Oboli concluded in her statement. The incident serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging all players in the industry to prioritize integrity in their creative endeavors.
