By Lucky Isibor
Musicians in Benin City who are members of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, have berated embattled former member of the board of COSON, Mr. Efe Omorogbe for availing himself as instrument in the hands of detractors of the copyright society and leadership of Chief Tony Okoroji, warning him to retrace his steps or would be dragged before the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11.
Edo state COSON members in a letter wherein they conveyed their position to Efe Omorogbe and made public at a press conference held on Easter Monday, April 2, at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City was signed by notable artists, including Prince Saka Balogun Omo-Osula, the Arala of Benin, Rapheal Ehis, AKA Oligbese 4Sale, Tony Okate, Dr. Fabomo, the Itendo of Benin among others.
According to the letter, “We are embarrassed by your behavior and hereby denounce your unwholesome activities targeted at destroying the unsurpassed respect associated with COSON. We warn that if you continue to allow yourself to be used to 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, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11 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.”
Enumerating the alleged atrocities of Efe Omorogbe, the letter states, “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 larger than life 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 outright rejection meted out to 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 no where to be seen.
” You will recall that just a few days after Chief Okoroji was restored as chairman of COSON, he once again visited us in Benin City and we organized a church service and several receptions in his honour. Chief Tony Okoroji has proven to us that he is a true leader.
“We are shocked that despite our clear democratic choice of Chief Tony Okoroji as COSON chairman at the said EGM chaired by our very own internationally respected music icon, Prof (Sir) Victor Uwaifo MON JP, you have mischievously and fraudulently continued to parade yourself as chairman of COSON. Your behaviour is contrary to the norms and culture of the great people of Edo state”.
In his reaction in a telephone interview, Mr. Efe Omorogbe said the COSON members are entitled to their opinion adding that he’s not bordered.
“Everybody is entitled to his own opinion. As far as am concerned, I am not bordered”.
