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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Actress Iyabo Ojo calls out Ghana TV for airing movie without approval

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo accused a Ghanaian TV station of airing her newly released movie without authorization.
  • Ojo stated that the unauthorized broadcast by North East TV deprives filmmakers of revenue and hinders cost recovery.
  • She appealed to Ghanaian authorities to intervene and address the issue of piracy, which affects Nigerian filmmakers.

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has publicly accused North East TV in Ghana of broadcasting her recently released movie, "The Memory of You Part 2," without her permission. Ojo shared her frustration in an Instagram video, stating that the unauthorized airing occurred less than 24 hours after the film premiered on YouTube.

I found out that there’s this TV station called North East TV in Ghana already showing my movie on their TV channel. I don’t understand. I didn’t give you permission. I don’t know you.

— Iyabo OjoThe actress expressed her disbelief and frustration upon discovering the unauthorized broadcast.

Ojo described the act as unfair and damaging to filmmakers, explaining that piracy prevents them from recovering production costs. "You just took my movie... and put it on your TV for people to watch for free while you make money. How do we make our money back?" she questioned.

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?

— Iyabo OjoOjo explained how piracy directly impacts filmmakers' ability to recoup their investments.

The actress urged Ghanaian authorities, including the National Film Authority and the President, to investigate the matter. She highlighted the significant investments filmmakers make in production, from paying actors to securing locations and equipment, emphasizing that such unauthorized broadcasts threaten their livelihoods.

Ghana National Film Authority, the minister in Ghana, the Ghanaian President himself, please look into this because it is very unfair that we Nigerians work so hard to produce our movies and some people sit in their corner transmitting them on local TV.

— Iyabo OjoThe actress appealed to Ghanaian authorities for intervention.

Fellow actors, including Destiny Etiko and Bimbo Ademoye, shared similar experiences with alleged piracy in the comments section of Ojo's post. Many Instagram users also urged Ojo to pursue legal action against the station, with some noting that the TV station might not be based in Accra but still subject to legal recourse.

That’s what they do to all our movies o. I have complained so much and am tired.

— Destiny EtikoAnother Nollywood actress shared her similar experience with alleged piracy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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