Nigerian actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli's latest movie, Love in Every Word, has been removed from YouTube following a copyright claim. The film, which premiered on the platform on February 10, 2024, was taken down after a rights holder alleged copyright infringement.
According to reports, the movie was uploaded to YouTube by FilmOne Entertainment, a leading Nigerian film distribution company. However, the rights holder, whose identity has not been disclosed, contested the upload, leading to its removal. The specifics of the copyright claim, including whether it pertains to the film's content, music, or other intellectual property, remain unclear.
Omoni Oboli, a renowned actress, producer, and director, has not yet publicly addressed the issue. Similarly, FilmOne Entertainment has not released an official statement regarding the removal. The incident has sparked conversations about the complexities of copyright enforcement in Nigeria's film industry, particularly as digital distribution continues to grow.
This is not the first time a Nollywood production has faced copyright challenges on digital platforms. The removal of Love in Every Word underscores the importance of clear rights agreements and the need for filmmakers to ensure all intellectual property issues are resolved before distribution.
Fans of Omoni Oboli and Nollywood enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over the movie's removal, as it was highly anticipated. Many are hopeful for a swift resolution that will allow the film to be re-uploaded and made accessible to viewers once again.
