Entertainment
Battle Royal As COSON’s Crisis Deepens
That all is not well with the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) is stating the obvious as things have fallen apart in the entertainment society following accusations of deceit, high handed, manipulations and incompetence against the leadership of the body, led by Chief Tony Okoroji on one side and Efe Omorogbe on the other side.
In 2010, the Copyright Society of Nigeria was born with the aim of negotiating, granting copyright licences and collecting royalties, distributing same to copy- right owners and curbing the bitting case of piracy that has plagued the Nigerian music industry. Prior to its set up, there were multiple music bodies including the Nigeria Copyright Council, Music Collective Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PIMAN) who had promised to represent the interest of creators (musicians).
Their failure to deliver on these promises led to the call for a singular body/Collective Management Organisation (CMO), as a result. The following organisations, WASPAN, MCSN and COSON joined to become the sole body that represents Nigerian musicians, but COSON backed with the support of other national associations, including PMAN won the battle and was fully licensed to collect royaltics and other rights on behalf of Nigerian artistes.
Almost eight years since operations kicked off, one cannot make a boast of COSON’s stability as it has been faced with unending crisis and more recently is the seeming power tussle between different factions within the body. It all came to the knowledge of the public on December 7th 2017 when COSON announced after an emergency board meeting that Okoroji had been rid of his position as COSON chairman.
Following a vote of confidence conducted by 10 active members of COSON management board, including Okoroji the vote which was conducted at the COSON House at Ikeja had stakeholders and representatives of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) responsible for regulating the activities of COSON in attendance, Okoroji was said to have lost to fellow board member and renowned talent Manager, Efe Omorogbe, who was immediately declared chairman of COSON.
Brief introduction of the prime parties involved in the crisis:
Chief Tony Okoroji: Tony Okoroji is an author and retired musician whose musical works reigned supreme in the ‘70s and ‘80s. At 29, Okoroji was elected National President of PMAN. Thereby making him the youngest president in the association’s history. The award winning entertainment stakeholder is the CEO of Tops limited, a Lagos based entertainment and events consultancy film.
Efe Omorogbe: Also a very respected executive in Nigeria entertainment, he is a co-founder of music publishing company, 5ive music group, founder and CEO music management and record company, now music limited, co-founder and director of 960 music group and longtime manager of Nigeria Pop Icon 2 Face Idibia.
On December 19, nearly a forthnight after Omorogbe took over the leadership of COSON, things took a different turn after Sir Victor Uwaifo, Head of the Organisation’s General Assembly announced the reinstatement of Tony Okoroji condemning the previously conducted change of chairmanship procedure as conspirational, the management board was also reconstituted and six members who were in support of Tony Okoroji’s removal including Efe Omorogbe were taken off COSON management board.
Omorogbe saw the action as ridiculous and unconstitutional explaining that board of directors are elected by members of COSON and as such it is impossible to dissolve/inaugurate a new board without the knowledge and participation of the members. He staged his purported comeback and reinstatement, created a lot of drama and claimed he had been reinstated by the General Assembly members who did not elect him as chairman in the first place.
According to him, you elect directors and directors choose a chairman, but in their desperation, they didn’t put all of these into account. He said the board’s decision to sack Okoroji stems from excessive cases of unethical practices and improper procedures for approval of funds releases.
Omorogbe had earlier in the year released a lengthy 9-point statement that accused Okoroji of gross abuse of power, alleging that Okoroji paid himself the sum of N22, 500,000 (twenty two million, five hundred thousand naira) through his company, Tops Limited.
He alleged that the amount was from MTN’s settlement payment for royalties without the approval and signature of both the Finance Committee Chairman, Mr Joel Ajayi and other board members which contradicts COSON’s rule that all payments above N2,000,000 (two million naira) must be approved by the board. Okoroji was also accused of misappropriating a quoted sum of N26,200,000 (twenty six million two hundred naira) as incurred by his company, Tops Ltd in the execution of the COSON’s week.
A series of events which contractually are allowed to hold on the condition that Production Company can independently generate the funding, as a collective management organisation, matters are discussed internally by members of the board before implementation, but the embattled Chairman, Tony Okoroji according to Omorogbe continues to unapologetically take actions without consulting the directorial board thus leading to cases of misrepresentation.
“He run the society like his personal hustle, it was difficult for Okoroji to separate himself from COSON as he sees COSON and himself as one” Omorogbe said. He further alleged that Okoroji has been orchestrating manipulative and deceitful devices presenting the well deserved benefits of right owners as an act of benevolence in a bid to buy over their loyalty.
He stressed that the movies are collected to be distributed, if you are a member that is what is due, you either based on general distribution or specific distribution and no single person has the power to determine whether you get stuff or you don’t get stuff, he stated.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
