The legal battle over ownership of Nigerian gospel singer Sinach’s globally recognised song, Way Maker, has ended with a Federal High Court in Lagos dismissing a N5 billion copyright lawsuit filed against the artiste.
Delivering judgment on July 24, 2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa ruled that Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach, remains the sole author and copyright owner of the worship anthem.
The court held that music producer Michael Oluwole failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his claim of being a co-author or co-owner of the song.
Oluwole had approached the court in March 2024, seeking legal recognition as a joint creator and rights holder of Way Maker. He also demanded a share of the revenue generated from the song and requested N5 billion in damages, alleging that his performer’s rights were infringed upon.
However, the court rejected the claims, holding that Oluwole’s contribution to the song was limited to technical production services after the creative work had already been completed.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa noted that evidence presented before the court established that Sinach had written, created, and performed the song before engaging Oluwole for studio-related services.
The court stated: “Evidence before the court showed that Sinach had created and performed the song before engaging Oluwole’s services.”
The judge further observed that Sinach had performed Way Maker on international platforms before the song underwent studio production for commercial release.
In explaining the principles of copyright ownership, Justice Lewis-Allagoa stated that ownership is attached to the person responsible for the original creative elements of a work, including its melody, harmony, lyrics, and arrangement.
He added: “Technical contributors such as producers, engineers, and sound technicians do not automatically become authors unless they contribute original expressive content.”
The court held that Oluwole’s role involved mixing and mastering an already existing composition and that such services, though important to the final sound recording, did not amount to creative authorship or ownership of the underlying musical work.
Describing the case as lacking merit, the court dismissed all the claims brought by the producer and reaffirmed Sinach’s exclusive rights over the reproduction, distribution, performance, and licensing of Way Maker in line with Nigeria’s copyright laws.
The ruling further strengthens Sinach’s legal position as the recognised creator of a song that has gained global recognition, with numerous international performances and renditions by worship communities around the world.
Reacting to the judgment, Sinach and her husband, Joseph Egbu, who chairs Slic Inspire Ltd. and Gosgem Records, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing the decision as a confirmation of the truth surrounding the creation and ownership of the song.