Copyright: Omoni Oboli Addresses Script Plagiarism Controversy

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has publicly addressed allegations of script plagiarism involving her latest YouTube movie, which has since been removed from her channel. The controversy has sparked broader conversations about originality and intellectual property in the Nigerian film industry.

Oboli issued an apology via Instagram, explaining that the incident arose from a script she purchased from a screenwriter who had previously sold the same script to another producer. Her post highlighted her commitment to originality and transparency, reassuring fans that steps are being taken to investigate and resolve the matter.

“We’ve received feedback that [the film] bears a striking resemblance to another movie on YouTube,” Oboli stated. “As a channel committed to originality, we’ve decided to remove the movie while we investigate the situation. We’re working closely with our legal team and the scriptwriter to address this issue. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

Susan Jimah, producer of Hope Given, confirmed that the script in question was purchased from screenwriter Jayne Nwachukwu in 2022 for ₦70,000 and had been aired on her YouTube channel, Susan Jimah TV, for over a year. Jimah commended Oboli for her integrity in removing the film but expressed frustration over the writer’s actions.

“It has also come to our notice that the same script was given to another channel with a different title,” Jimah wrote in response. She added that Nwachukwu had become unreachable since the controversy emerged.

The incident underscores systemic challenges in Nollywood, particularly in safeguarding intellectual property. For producers and content creators, the dispute highlights the necessity of rigorous due diligence when acquiring scripts, including:

• Thorough Background Checks: Vetting screenwriters for credibility and track records.
• Originality Verification: Consulting industry professionals to verify that scripts are unique.
• Enforceable Legal Contracts: Drafting robust agreements with explicit exclusivity clauses and clear penalties for breaches.

YouTube creators, reliant on originality to maintain audience trust, face significant financial and reputational risks from such disputes.

For screenwriters, this controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of breaching contracts, including:

• Loss of Credibility: Tarnished reputations can lead to career stagnation.
• Legal Consequences: Breach of contract may result in lawsuits and financial penalties.
• Industry Blacklisting: Nollywood’s tight-knit nature can amplify the fallout from negative publicity.

Writers are urged to prioritise integrity and long-term career development over short-term financial gains.

This incident highlights the need for Nollywood to adopt stronger industry standards, including:

• Centralised Script Databases: A platform to track script ownership and prevent resales.
• Education on Intellectual Property Rights: Workshops and advocacy for writers and producers.
• Support Networks: Resources to help writers navigate the business side of filmmaking.

Oboli’s swift action to address the controversy has been praised as a demonstration of professionalism and accountability. The situation serves as a reminder for all industry stakeholders to prioritise transparency and uphold ethical standards, ensuring Nollywood’s continued growth as a global force in filmmaking.