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MCSN Fires Back at Tony Okoroji, Defends Approval, Alleges Decades-Long Campaign of Falsehood

Published

4 months ago

June 2, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has strongly refuted allegations made against it by Mr Tony Okoroji, describing the claims as false, malicious and part of a long-running campaign aimed at undermining the organization.

In a statement signed on Tuesday in Abuja by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mayowa Ayilaran, MCSN responded to a recent press briefing issued under the name of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), in which Okoroji allegedly accused MCSN of being a “scam machine” established to siphon funds from Nigerian musicians.

MCSN dismissed the allegations as baseless and misleading, accusing Okoroji of attempting to influence government institutions, including the National Assembly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the courts through what it described as a campaign of misinformation.

According to MCSN, the dispute dates back to the early 1990s when amendments to Nigeria’s Copyright Act introduced a requirement for collective management organizations (CMOs) to obtain approval from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). The society stated that although it had been operating since 1984 and applied for approval when the process commenced, it was denied recognition while the then Performing and Mechanical Rights Society (PMRS), later renamed COSON, received approval.

MCSN claimed that it spent decades pursuing legal and administrative remedies to secure approval, eventually receiving support from the House of Representatives following a public hearing in 2013. The National Assembly reportedly directed the NCC to approve MCSN as a collecting society after hearing submissions from all stakeholders.

The organization further stated that its eventual approval in March 2017 followed the implementation of the National Assembly’s resolution and not any improper influence as alleged by Okoroji. It noted that subsequent legal actions challenging its approval were dismissed by the courts.
Responding to allegations concerning financial benefits received by MCSN, including N2.5 billion awarded following a Court of Appeal judgment involving Multichoice Nigeria Limited and funds distributed under the Levy Order Scheme, the society maintained that all transactions were lawful, transparent and subject to scrutiny by relevant government agencies.

MCSN also accused Okoroji of continuing to use the COSON name despite court judgments which it said questioned the legal status of the organization and directed that the name be removed from official records.
The society recalled several court cases involving COSON and the NCC over the suspension and eventual termination of COSON’s operating licence, noting that attempts to overturn those decisions had failed in court.

Furthermore, MCSN cited a defamation judgment in favour of its CEO, Mayowa Ayilaran, in which a court reportedly awarded N25 million in damages against Okoroji.

While assuring stakeholders in the music industry that it remains committed to transparency and the protection of creators’ rights, MCSN announced that it has formally petitioned law enforcement authorities against Okoroji over alleged criminal activities.

The organization expressed confidence that the facts would ultimately prevail and pledged to continue defending its reputation and role within Nigeria’s copyright administration system.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

9 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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