Ghana TV Station Accused of Airing Nollywood Actress Iyabo Ojo's New Movie Just 24 Hours After Release
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has accused a Ghanaian television station of airing her newly released movie, "The Memory of You Part 2," without permission less than 24 hours after it premiered on YouTube.
Ghana TV Station Flouts Nollywood Actress's Rights
The station in question is North East TV in Ghana. Iyabo Ojo made the allegation in a video posted on Instagram on Saturday, identifying the station as the culprit. The actress said she woke up to discover that the station was already broadcasting the movie despite having no agreement or authorization from her.
Nollywood Filmmakers Demand Protection Against Piracy
Iyabo Ojo described the alleged unauthorized broadcast as unfair and damaging to filmmakers who depend on revenue from their productions to recover costs. "You just took my movie that I posted on my YouTube channel, not even up to 24 hours, and put it on your TV for people to watch for free while you make money. How do we make our money back?" she queried. The actress called on the Ghana National Film Authority, government officials, and President John Mahama to intervene and address the alleged piracy.
Nollywood Actors React to Iyabo Ojo's Complaint
Several Nollywood actors have come out in support of Iyabo Ojo, claiming they had faced similar experiences. Actress Destiny Etiko said alleged piracy of Nigerian movies by television stations had become persistent. "That's what they do to all our movies o. I have complained so much and am tired," Etiko wrote. Bimbo Ademoye also reacted, alleging that filmmakers who complained about such incidents were sometimes accused of seeking publicity.
Iyabo Ojo's Complaint Highlights the Plight of Nigerian Filmmakers
Iyabo Ojo explained that producing a movie involved substantial financial commitments, including payments to actors and expenses for locations, accommodation, costumes, and equipment. According to her, broadcasting such productions without the filmmaker's consent deprives producers of income and threatens their livelihood. The complaint has brought attention to the struggles of Nigerian filmmakers in the face of piracy.
Iyabo Ojo's complaint will likely prompt further action from the Ghana National Film Authority and government officials. The actress has already called on President John Mahama to intervene and address the alleged piracy. It remains to be seen whether the Ghanaian authorities will take concrete steps to protect the rights of filmmakers.
Source: Prime News
