The reported originator of the Moremi project, Olayinka Fatima Edu, has said that she does not wish to be drawn into the copyright ownership controversy over ‘Moremi the Musical’ between Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions and the House of Oduduwa.
In a statement late Tuesday night, Edu said she would clear the air in the fullness of time and has not appointed anyone to speak for her.
The statement from the Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Entertainment read: “My attention has been drawn to the brewing controversy and contestation between Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions and the House of Oodua and references to my name as the originator of the Moremi Project.
“I want to state that I refuse to be drawn into this messy affair by any of the parties involved. Over the years, as a media entrepreneur, I have always learnt to pick my battles wisely. Like the Holy, Book says, ‘there is a time for everything under heaven, a time to talk and a time to refrain from talking. I know how to fight, and in the fullness of time, I will speak.
“Given the aforestated, I, Olayinka Fatima Edu, dissociate myself from the ongoing contestation and controversy between the two camps. I have not granted any journalist or media outfit any interview concerning being the originator of the project or any engagement with the Royal Palace.
Olayinka Fatima Edu
“I, therefore, urge the general public to disregard any speech or interview credited to my name as I have not permitted anyone to speak on my behalf. For now, let us keep safe from the Covid-19 pandemic and join the battle to save the world.”
Recall that BAP and the House of Oduduwa had engaged in a spat over the ownership of the intellectual copyright to ‘Moremi the Musical’ following BAP’s decision to stream it on its YouTube channel on Sunday evening.
The duo, alongside Rejuvenee, had collaborated for the musical which debuted at TerraKulture in December 2018 before the House of Oduduwa produced it alone in December 2019/January 2020.
The House of Oduduwa had kicked against the streaming of the December 2018 show, claiming it owned the rights to the production and that showing it online is a breach of the agreement. It further noted that streaming it online could affect all aspirations of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro Initiative and deny it expected future revenues.
But Austen-Peters had countered and asserted her intellectual rights to the stage production.
The streaming happened with thousands of Nigerians hooking up to enjoy it before social media became awash with allegations that neither of the disputants owned the right.
Edu was reported to have taken the idea of the Moremi Beauty Pageant, musical and book to the Ooni in 2016.
Meanwhile, indications have emerged that the disputing parties are pursuing amicable resolution of the matter.
Apart from key players in the culture sector stepping in to settle the dispute, Vice-Chair of the House of Oduduwa, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi confirmed that talks were on.
“The House of Oduduwa has taken a royal stand. The House of Oduduwa is the father to the Yoruba; we will settle all issues amicably,” she said on Tuesday when reached for comments.
