I AM THE ONLY GOVT RECOGNISED CHAIRMAN OF COSON, SAYS EFE OMOROGBE

IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Chief Executive Officer of Now Muzik, Mr. Efe Omorogbe has asserted that he remains the only chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, recognised by the Federal Government.

He also said that the former President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN remains a director on the COSON board.

Omorogbe was elected by COSON board as chairman shortly after easing off Chief Tony Okoroji as chairman. But Okoroji returned via a vote by general assembly few days after as chairman of COSON and has continued to present himself as chairman of the society.

But in a statement, Efe Omorogbe said he remains Chairman of COSON duly recognised by government contrary to reports in the social media.

“Contrary to the misinformation being peddled in the media, particularly the social media, the true situation of affairs at COSON as of now, is that the COSON Management board consists of:
Mr Efe Omorogbe- Chairman
Mr Audu Maikori- Director
Mr Dare Fasasi- Director
Mrs Azeezat Allen – Director
Mr Ras kimono Onwubuya- Director
Chief Tony Okoroji- Director
Dr Adewale Ayuba- Director
Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola- Director
Mr Joel Ajayi- Director
Mr Obi Asika- Director
Hon John Ewelukwa Udegbunam – Director.

“This is the position as clearly stated by the NIGERIAN COPYRIGHT COMMISSION (who are the government agency responsible for regulating the operations of Collective Management Organisations under the Copyright Act in Nigeria), after their investigation into the change in the Chairmanship position of the society during the meeting of the directors on December 7, 2017; and the events at the society’s EGM on December 19, 2017″, Omorogbe said.

He said the Commission’s letter dated February 19, 2018, it was clearly stated that:
” In view of some observed irregularities in the Extraordinary General Meeting of COSON held on December 19, 2017, Management of COSON is directed not to give effect to resolutions taken thereat, except the resolution on distribution of royalties to members”, he noted.

He explained that there has been no superior pronouncement on the matter, either by the Minister responsible for supervising the Commission nor from a court of proper jurisdiction.