Optimist

Yesterday, I had the honour of accepting an invitation from @dwnews to participate in a Street Debate on medical negligence and beauty enhancement procedures. It was a deeply engaging conversation. I listened to Mr. Abubakar, who shared the painful experience of losing his wife to medical negligence. My thoughts remain with him and his family during this difficult time. During the discussion, I highlighted the legal position on medical negligence in Nigeria, particularly the role of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria through its Disciplinary Tribunal, which oversees the conduct of medical practitioners, similar to how the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee regulates the legal profession. I also clarified why such matters are not always taken directly to court, as due process and established procedures must be followed. On the issue of BBL and cosmetic procedures, I emphasized that while individuals have the right to make personal decisions regarding their bodies, medical practitioners carry a duty of care to ensure that: patients are medically fit, and procedures are carried out by qualified professionals under safe conditions. Ultimately, accountability is key. For Nigeria to progress, individuals and professionals alike must take responsibility for their actions and be prepared to face the legal consequences where necessary. The law remains a vital tool in protecting lives and ensuring justice. Thank you to @dwnews for the opportunity.

The Summary If you missed the live session, please check my previous post. They say there is money in Nigeria, but the real question is: where is the money, and how is it being accounted for? It is time for monopoly structures to give way to transparency, accountability, and healthy competition. Every sector representing people, especially representing the entertainment industry, deserves systems that operate lawfully, fairly, and in the best interest of the people. The focus must remain on doing what is right.

Glad to have legally contributed to the Radio Voice — a movie by the legendary Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD). @mofedamijo As legal counsel to my client, I had the privilege of handling the synchronization licensing of five original tracks from the Afro Icon album by @big0hla for use in the film. The movie Radio Voice is a powerful story of second chances, purpose, and finding the courage to speak—even when the world tries to silence you. I’m proud that my client’s music forms a core part of this emotionally resonant narrative. Tracks licensed include: ICON LIVING FANTASY MAGIC FMB POMPOUS Big shout-out to my client, @fameyuie , an exceptional artist manager and true professional, and special thanks to RMD, the Executive Producer, for making the process smooth and collaborative. As a lawyer with a focus on Entertainment Law, I am committed to helping creatives protect their intellectual property, secure fair licensing terms, and unlock the full value of their work. Remember, your song can go further than streaming — it can be licensed and synchronized into films, series, games, and more, when properly positioned. Let’s keep making music. Let’s keep making movies. The world is better with art. #entertainment #law #legal #music #movie #sync #lawyer #radiovoice #makemusic

Now that Blessing CEO has been arrested, though for another matter, it once again proves that no celebrity or influencer is above the law. Some weeks ago, I shared an interview where I spoke about this exact issue: there is nothing like “celebrity immunity” when it comes to crime or criminal allegations. Whether you are the biggest influencer, a famous celebrity, or a regular citizen, the law can still take its course. The best way for celebrities and influencers to live peacefully is to stay away from anything that looks suspicious, avoid criminal associations, and be careful about third-party problems. Be a good citizen. Protect your name and reputation. Another important thing every influencer and celebrity should do is to have a competent lawyer on retainer at all times. Prevention and proper legal guidance are always better than damage control. Over the years, I have represented several individuals, including celebrities, in different legal matters, especially criminal-related cases. Beyond being an Entertainment Lawyer, I can confidently say that criminal law is a completely different reality when you experience it firsthand. There is no special protection because you are famous. That is why I always tell my clients: just make sure you are not involved in the crime. For every upcoming celebrity or influencer who believes fame can help them escape accountability, understand this: when the hand of the law catches up with you, you will realize that being a responsible citizen is far better than trying to outsmart the system. At the end of the day, even an ordinary citizen can institute a process that may lead to a celebrity being prosecuted or jailed. Fame is not immunity. Accountability matters.

I had the privilege of speaking to some African brilliant young minds at the Future Lawyers Internship Programme organized by @lawrit_journal_ @ljl_impactlab , where I spoke on Intellectual Property Law, Copyright & Industrial Design. It was an engaging session discussing how Copyright law protects original creative expressions including music, films, books, digital content, photography, software, audiovisual works and other creative assets that continue to shape today’s entertainment and digital economy. We also explored the role of Copyright in Entertainment Law — from protecting artists, filmmakers, producers and content creators, to licensing, royalties, streaming rights, distribution rights and ownership of creative works in the modern digital space. On Industrial Design, we examined how the law protects the visual appearance and aesthetic features of products, from fashion designs, product packaging and bottle shapes to smartphone designs, furniture, branding elements and other commercially valuable creations. One thing remains clear: Africa’s creative and innovation ecosystem is growing rapidly, and young lawyers have a critical role to play in protecting the future of creativity, entertainment, technology and innovation across the continent. The future of IP protection in Africa will depend heavily on young lawyers who understand the business of creativity, innovation and digital ownership. I’m glad to contribute to conversations that prepare the next generation of African lawyers for the evolving world of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law. Creativity has value. IP Law protects that value.

This conversation needs to happen. Join us on X Spaces for our debut conversation Theft in the Gospel Music Space a bold, honest virtual conversation on intellectual property protection and ethics in the gospel music industry. 🎯Featuring: Daniel Okafor Chinonso @__okaforchinonso – Label Executive & CEO, Sonshub Media Sunny Unachi @iamsunachi – Music Business Executive & Author Optimist IBK @optimist.ibk – Entertainment/IP Lawyer Amachree Superstar @amachree_star – Host 📅 May 22nd, 2026 | ⏰ 8PM GMT+1 📍 X Spaces | @theiacmp_org This is a conversation every gospel artist, label, and media practitioner needs to be part of. Set your reminder. 🔔 #IACMP #GospelMusic #IntellectualProperty #TheftInTheGospelMusicSpace

I will be speaking today at the Future Lawyers Internship Programme organised by @lawrit_journal_ “Lawrit Journal of Law” and @ljl_impactlab “LJL Impact Lab”, alongside brilliant law students and participants from across Africa including Nigeria, Kenya, Gambia, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda and Ethiopia. The conversation will focus on two important pillars of Intellectual Property Law: Copyright and Industrial Design. We will be exploring how IP law helps creators, innovators and businesses transform creativity into protected value, from innovation and branding to entertainment, technology and digital content. From music, films and content creation to fashion, product packaging, smartphone aesthetics and even iconic bottle shapes, IP law continues to shape and protect the future of the creative economy. We’ll also be discussing the critical role of Copyright in Entertainment Law, and how legal protection supports creators, artists, filmmakers, producers, innovators and brands across industries. As Africa continues to rise in the global creative, innovation and entertainment space, conversations like this are important in preparing the next generation of lawyers who will help shape and protect that future. I’m truly glad to be part of these early and important conversations contributing to the future of Africa’s IP and creative ecosystem. Creativity has value. IP Law protects that value. And remember that Lawyers are one of the most important professions on earth.

Part 2 That “simple repost” could raise serious legal issues: Copyright infringement Unauthorised commercial exploitation Violation of personality/image rights Failure to credit (moral rights concerns) In today’s digital economy, content is not just creative, it’s a valuable asset. Yes, there are limited exceptions: ✔️ Fair use (education, commentary, criticism) ✔️ News reporting ✔️ Public interest situations But these are not loopholes, they are carefully tested legal principles, and not every repost qualifies. Everyone is watching the trend. Brands are circling. Even Instagram is asking for permission. That tells you one thing: Content ownership is power. If you’re a creator, protect it. If you’re a brand, respect it. 👉 If you’re a creator: your content has value, protect it and leverage it. 👉 If you’re a brand: permission is not optional, it’s essential. In this era, consent is currency.

Part 1 Social media owns the platform… but not your content. So why would a platform owned by Meta Platforms be in a creator’s comment section asking them to “check your DM” instead of simply reposting the content? Because ownership of a platform is not the same as ownership of content. The moment a creator makes a video, that content is protected by copyright. What platforms like Instagram get is a license to host and distribute the content within their ecosystem, not a blanket right to use it for commercial campaigns, advertisements, or brand collaborations. That’s why even Instagram pauses to ask. Now here’s where it gets more interesting… If a global platform with vast legal resources still seeks permission before using a creator’s content, what about brands that casually repost, screenshot, or even run ads with creators’ content without approval?

Clocked It🤏🏽 into May — Locked In🔏 for the long run. On the entertainment side, it’s always exciting working on creative projects, but behind the scenes, the legal work is where the real depth lies. I’ve had the privilege of touching some truly meaningful projects through the lens of law, and each one reminds me why I chose to contribute to the growth of this sector. Being an Entertainment & IP Lawyer may look glamorous from the outside, but those who are grounded in it understand how complex it really is. We often take on the most difficult parts of the process, but that’s the beauty of it: we are trained to navigate complexity, structure chaos, and protect value. I’m not just here to participate, I’m here to build, to create impact, and to write my own story. This year, we decided to make @space.firm public, and that journey has stretched me beyond entertainment law. From advising startups, to handling complex corporate transactions, dispute resolution, sport, tech, immigration, tax, property matters, and even criminal work, it has been a season of growth and expansion. And the truth is: the deeper you go into law, the more you realize how layered and demanding it is. But I’m grateful to be building with a solid team, one that is committed to excellence, and to achieving results that are either wins or win-win outcomes. To every client who has trusted me, thank you. To everyone who has supported the vision of Space Firm, thank you for believing and building with us. We are not God, but we are here to also protect. We are not everywhere, but we are present where it matters. And most importantly, we are committed to protecting what matters to you. Here’s to staying locked in consistently, intentionally, and for the long run. The best is still ahead.

There’s no denying that some individuals disguise themselves as record labels, taking advantage of artists. However, the truth is that there are still credible and efficient record labels that understand the business and execute it properly. While no record label is perfect, many possess the essential structure, resources, and expertise needed to elevate an artist’s career. Why do artists need record labels? Is it mainly because of funding? Perhaps. But beyond funding, record labels offer strategic direction, industry connections, marketing power, and professional support systems. Unfortunately, many artists approach record labels as though they are charity organizations. This mindset is one of the reasons we are beginning to see a decline in how labels invest in and support emerging talent. Sometimes, the problem isn’t the record label, it’s the artist. Many artists fail to: - Develop themselves and their craft - Build a solid and reliable team - Engage a lawyer to properly review agreements before signing - Market themselves effectively - Take responsibility instead of leaving everything to the label Take Asake, for example. There are claims that he may not have thoroughly reviewed his agreement with YBNL, largely because of his trust in Olamide. Regardless, what stands out is that Asake put in the work. He maximized the opportunity, and when it was time to stand on his own, the transition was seamless. On the other hand, many artists fade out after leaving a record label, with little to show for their time under one. A record label is like the kitchen, while the artist is the restaurant. The label prepares and supports, but the artist is the one who presents the final product to the audience. How well the artist carries and delivers that product determines whether fans keep coming back. At times, the issue isn’t the record label, the issue is the artist. Never assume that one hit song means you’ve arrived. There is always more work to be done. You may not need a record deal to succeed. But if you choose to sign one, respect the opportunity and make the most of everything it offers.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking on the recent developments surrounding the Blessing CEO matter on News Central TV, where I provided a legal perspective on how the law responds to situations of this nature. I clarified the position of Nigerian law, particularly on the offence of obtaining by false pretence under the Nigerian Laws, which carries a penalty of up to three (3) years imprisonment. Where it is established that an individual knowingly made false representations to induce members of the public to part with money, such conduct may amount to a criminal offence. In the course of the discussion, I also highlighted, from a purely legal standpoint, the possible defences that may be available if I were to represent her, emphasizing the importance of fair hearing and the principle that every allegation must be proven. I referenced similar cases both within Nigeria and internationally, where individuals who solicited funds based on false medical claims were investigated, arrested, and in some cases prosecuted. This underscores the seriousness with which the law treats fraudulent fundraising and misrepresentation. From a legal standpoint, this matter is actionable under both criminal law and civil law. Criminally, it may involve offences such as obtaining by false pretence, cheating, or cyber-related fraud. Civilly, affected individuals may pursue claims for misrepresentation, deceit, and recovery of funds. It is important to note that for the law to take its full course, individuals who made such payments can either report the matter to law enforcement agencies or institute civil actions to recover their money. The law frowns strongly at deceit and fraudulent conduct, particularly where it exploits public trust and sympathy. While the Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, such rights cannot be used as a shield for acts that are unlawful or fraudulent. Ultimately, if we are to build a safer and more accountable society, matters like this must be addressed strictly in accordance with the law. To watch the full interview, kindly visit: https://youtu.be/FoirQTAECfg?si=N0igZX-Wvq-tUlx0