Omorogbe (left) Okoroji
… The Omorogbe group, banks factor
The refusal of some leading banks in Nigeria to allow the Chief Tony Okoroji led Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) access to its account with them, due to the petitions from a splinter group within the Society led by Mr. Efe Omorogbe over the continual stay of Okoroji as the chairman of the society is taking its toll on the society.
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Sources in the know said that because of the petition and the action of the banks, COSON has failed to pay royalty to its members this year; distribution of loyalty to members after collection from right users is the major responsibility of a collective management organisation (CMO), like COSON that was established about 10 years ago. And the failure to pay the royalty, especially to members who have been loyal and supportive to Okoroji as the chairman of the organisation, our source said, may further polarise the already balkanised Society. Though, this is the first time the Okoroji led COSON, is not rolling out the red carpet and proudly announced to the world the multi-million naira it is distributing to the musicians since it came into being.
On his part, Omorogbe the leader of the group that wants Okoroji to step aside and allow a forensic probe said, “…haven’t heard of anyone receiving royalties yet.”
It will also be recalled that some founding members of COSON, led by Omorogbe, had written to some Nigerian banks to stop honouring COSON cheques until Okoroji is out as chairman of the organisation and COSON books subjected to forensic probe. They had also lodged same petition, with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), which led to the suspension of operating licence of COSON early in the year.
