Renowned Nigerian actress Omoni Oboli has voiced her frustration over the unauthorized airing of her movies by several Ghanaian television stations. The actress, known for her outstanding contributions to Nollywood, took to her Instagram page on Saturday evening to call out the stations for broadcasting her films without obtaining the necessary licenses.
Oboli expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing that such actions undermine the hard work, dedication, and financial investment put into film production. She did not hold back in her criticism, making it clear that she would take legal action against the offending TV stations. Her anger was also directed at the Ghana National Film Authority, which she accused of failing to enforce copyright laws and allowing intellectual property theft to thrive.
In her Instagram post, she questioned the effectiveness of the regulatory body, stating, “I love my Ghanaian besties, colleagues, and friends, but you see those TV stations in Ghana, I’m coming for you! The guts to show my movies without licensing! If dem no arrest one of una, you won’t learn! Watch out! Coming for every one of you!”
Her message carried a strong warning, indicating that she was prepared to take drastic steps to hold those responsible accountable. She further highlighted the immense effort that goes into filmmaking, pointing out that unauthorized broadcasts not only devalue creative work but also rob filmmakers of their rightful earnings.
“You have no idea how much work goes into these projects. The sleepless nights I have! I’m coming for it all! You will pay for every one of my movies you have shown without permission! In 2025, you don’t understand that’s IP theft?!!!” she added.
Oboli also questioned whether Ghana had an effective television regulatory body, implying that the authorities had turned a blind eye to the issue. “Maybe you don’t have a television authority in Ghana, but that is not my concern! Coming for you all! Clowns! Thanks to my Ghanaian besties for always sending me screenshots.”
Her strong words immediately sparked conversations across social media, with many industry players and fans weighing in on the matter. While some supported her stand, others called for a diplomatic approach to resolving the issue. However, the actress’s outburst highlights a growing concern among filmmakers about intellectual property protection in Africa.
For years, Nigerian filmmakers have faced challenges in controlling the distribution of their work, particularly in foreign markets. Unauthorized broadcasts and piracy continue to plague the industry, causing significant financial losses. Oboli’s case is a reflection of the broader issue, where filmmakers struggle to protect their content due to weak enforcement of copyright laws.
Many filmmakers invest substantial amounts in production, from scripting and casting to filming and post-production. The illegal airing of films deprives them of potential revenue, making it harder for them to recover their investments. This, in turn, affects the overall growth of the film industry, discouraging producers from creating more high-quality content.
The Ghanaian film industry, like Nollywood, has been striving to establish stronger structures for content distribution and copyright enforcement. However, incidents like this indicate that there is still a long way to go in ensuring that filmmakers receive due compensation for their work. Ghana’s National Film Authority, which is responsible for regulating the industry, now faces pressure to respond to Oboli’s concerns and take action against TV stations involved in unauthorized broadcasts.
If legal proceedings follow, this case could set a significant precedent for the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the West African entertainment industry. It would not only serve as a warning to media houses but also push regulatory bodies to be more vigilant in protecting creative content.
Oboli’s frustration is not unfounded. Many Nigerian filmmakers have suffered from similar experiences, where their films are aired or distributed without their permission. This has led to calls for stronger collaborations between African countries to enforce copyright laws and ensure fair treatment of content creators.
Her social media post also raises questions about the role of TV stations in ensuring ethical broadcasting practices. While television remains a powerful platform for entertainment, it is crucial that broadcasters respect copyright laws and properly acquire the rights to the content they air. Unauthorized broadcasting not only hurts filmmakers but also damages the credibility of TV stations involved in such practices.
In response to the controversy, some media analysts have suggested that affected filmmakers engage in direct dialogue with TV stations before pursuing legal action. They argue that some television stations may not fully understand the licensing process and may have acquired the films from third-party distributors without proper authorization. However, others insist that ignorance is no excuse and that the industry must uphold strict regulations to protect creative works.
As the debate continues, all eyes are on the Ghana National Film Authority to see whether it will take concrete steps to address the issue. Industry stakeholders are also watching to see if Omoni Oboli will follow through with legal action, which could set a new standard for copyright enforcement in the region.
The controversy surrounding Omoni Oboli’s accusations has also reignited discussions on the need for cross-border collaborations to strengthen intellectual property (IP) laws in Africa. Many industry experts believe that for filmmakers to fully protect their work, there must be a unified framework that allows legal enforcement across multiple countries.
While countries like Nigeria and South Africa have relatively stronger copyright laws, enforcement remains a major challenge in other parts of the continent, including Ghana. The issue is further complicated by the rapid growth of digital platforms, where content can easily be copied, shared, and broadcast without proper authorization. As the film industry continues to evolve, stronger legal frameworks are needed to ensure that content creators are adequately protected.
If Oboli’s case leads to legal action and reforms, it could mark a turning point for how African countries handle copyright infringement. It could also encourage collaborations between film regulatory bodies across the continent, ensuring that violations in one country can be addressed by authorities in another.
Filmmakers across Africa have long advocated for better copyright protections, emphasizing that intellectual property theft undermines the industry’s growth. Without strict enforcement, many creatives struggle to benefit from their work, limiting the potential of the African film industry on a global scale.
The outcome of this controversy could have far-reaching implications for the African film industry. If Oboli succeeds in holding the TV stations accountable, it could encourage more filmmakers to take a stand against intellectual property theft. Conversely, if no action is taken, it may embolden other broadcasters to continue airing films without proper authorization, further weakening the industry.
Regardless of the outcome, this situation underscores the need for African countries to strengthen their copyright laws and enforcement mechanisms. Filmmakers invest their time, creativity, and resources into their projects, and they deserve to be protected from exploitation.
As for Omoni Oboli, she has made it clear that she will not back down until justice is served. Her bold stance is a reminder that intellectual property rights must be respected and that those who violate them should be held accountable. Whether through legal action or regulatory intervention, this case is likely to spark broader discussions about the future of content protection in the African entertainment industry.
