Veteran songstress, Onyeka Onwenu has sued music distribution channel, IROKING for infringement of her intellectual property rights.
According to The Nation, the legendary artiste is demanding N205 million in damages.
The case is presently before the State High Court, Lagos, where it was heard on Monday, after she made known her intention to sue the company on Sunday.
She said the company had profited from her work for years without paying due royalty after an initial two-year contract elapsed and went on to deny it until it was caught in the act.
She described the act as a “massive violation” of her “musical copyright dues”.
Onwenu added that several attempts to get the company to settle out of court proved abortive as it failed to honour meetings.
“Iroking as a company is arrogant and has no regard for the people, artistes whose works and labor have made them successful.
“We are therefore suing to make a point.
“Artistes have a right to profit from their intellectual property and labor.
“Nigeria has copyright laws, which ought to be respected.
“The music industry has been built up and sustained by artistes and entrepreneurs like me.
“I demand to be protected by the laws of my country.
“Iroking must pay for this violation,” she said.
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