Edo COSON dissociates themselves from Efe Omorogbe

----Desist from being used as agent of destabilization, says COSON

By Isaac Eranga

Senior Members of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Edo State chapter has dissociated themselves from the embattled former member of the board of COSON, Mr. Efe Omorogbe through a letter, advising him to desist from further being used as an instrument of destabilization in the society.

The letter which was made public at a press conference held on Easter Monday, April 2, 2018, at the NUJ Press Center in Benin City, was signed by notable artists such as: Prince Saka Balogun Omo Lawal-Osula, the Arala of Benin; Prince Roland Igunma Igbinigie, aka Akabama; Amb. Osayomore Joseph; Dr. Fabomo, the Itendo of Benin; Raphel Ehis Oboh, aka Oligbese 4 Sale; Tony Okate; Osas Osasco; and others.

The letter reads as follows:

"On December 7, 2017, you led a coup to remove the chairman of the Governing Board of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji. Your being named by your cohorts to succeed Chief Tony Okoroji was to impose on you, shoes too large for you to fit in.

"Your so-called appointment as Chairman of COSON was mute and very unpopular with vexatious reactions across the creative industry at home and abroad. You will recall the disgraceful treatment you received on the 19th of December, 2017, from the COSON members across the country who gathered at the COSON Arena at COSON House in Lagos and strongly opposed and nullified your kangaroo appointment as COSON Chairman.

"We are not surprised that such treatment of outright rejection was meted out on you by COSON members across Nigeria. Behind this is your checkered attitude of arrogance which has resulted in your total disconnect with the creative community even in Edo State, the State of your birth. This is to the extent that the presence, support and contribution of the likes of Chief Tony Okoroji, a detribalized Nigerian, is more felt by us in Edo State. Even though you are our son, your contribution is nowhere to be seen.

"It is unfortunate that given your position of visibility as the manager of one of Nigeria's best known performer, 2Face Idibia, no one in the State has felt your impact in any way".

The COSON members said they were embarrassed by the behaviour of Mr. Efe Omorogbe and used the opportunity to denounced his "unwholesome activities targeted at destroying the unsurpassed respect associated with COSON".

"We warn that if you continue to allow yourself to be usedcto destabilize COSON, an organization which we are very proud of and which is catering for our needs, we may have no choice but to drag you before the Oba of Benin, HisvRoyal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II so that you can be called to order with appropriate sanctions imposed on you for the show of shame and the conduct that negates the value, norms and culture of our great people and the creative community in general", they said.

When contacted through telephone, Mr. Efe Omorogbe said he was not prepared to speak on the matter.