Bimbo Ademoye warns Ghanaian TV stations over unauthorised airing of her films, sparks debate

• Nigerian actress Bimbo Ademoye’s stern warning to Ghanaian TV stations to stop airing her movies without permission has ignited an online debate 
• The actress exposed misleading YouTube channels for content theft using her titles and thumbnails
• The ongoing debate highlighted tensions between Nigerian filmmakers and Ghanaian media regarding copyright violations

A recent video featuring Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye has reignited a heated debate on social media surrounding the unauthorised airing of Nigerian films on Ghanaian television. 

This issue, once limited to isolated complaints, has escalated into a recurring controversy, prompting numerous Nigerian creatives to take a firm stand.

In an emotionally charged video shared on her Instagram page on April 15, a visibly upset Bimbo Ademoye called out Ghanaian TV stations, urging them to immediately cease broadcasting her films without proper authorisation. 

“That TV station in Ghana, I’m talking to you. Don’t show my movies. I haven’t given you permission," she stated emphatically.

 "Before, I used to say, ‘At least come to me, let’s discuss it and share…’ but now, I don’t want your money. Don’t show my movies. To all the TV stations in Ghana showing my movies, I haven’t given any of you permission.”

Emphasising her disappointment, Ademoye revealed that she had initially sought a collaborative approach with these TV stations to establish a fair arrangement. 

However, their consistent disregard for her rights has led her to withdraw that offer. She specifically cited Ghana’s Daily TV and at least three other stations for similar copyright violations, indicating her readiness to escalate the matter to higher authorities if the infringements persist.

The actress did not shy away from addressing misleading YouTube channels such as Ayodeji Films, Nolly Specials, and Nollynew Series, which have misused her movie titles and thumbnails to attract views, only to present entirely different content.

 “This is clear content theft,” she asserted, revealing her decision to take action against these channels to have them reported and removed. 

In her  caption accompanying the video, she declared, “Let the battle begin!” and vowed to protect her "blood, sweat, and sleepless nights" from being exploited by others.

Ademoye further insisted that these channels should refrain from using her promotional images, titles, or thumbnails, underlining their significance as part of her intellectual property. 

With heartfelt conviction, she expressed the sleepless nights and relentless dedication she invests in creating her films, only to see them aired without her consent, an act that she believes undermines her hard work.

This controversy is not new, as similar concerns have been echoed by other notable Nollywood figures, including producers Ruth Kadiri and Omoni Oboli, who have also criticised Ghanaian TV channels for unauthorised broadcasts and even threatened legal action in the past.

The video featuring Ademoye attracted the attention of a Ghanaian content creator @kobe_boujee88, who shared it on his X page on April 21, captioning it,

"Nigerians Send Strong Warning To Ghanaian TV Stations," effectively explaining the ongoing controversy. 

While several Ghanaians expressed disappointment in their TV channels, others criticised the Nigerian actress for her acting skills, showcasing the divided opinions on the matter.

In a continuous expression of opinions, some actors in Ghana have called out Ghanaian TV channels for not promoting their own, rather other countries movies, which has ignited public criticism. 

Netizens weigh in on Bimbo Ademoye's stern warning

@Jlc_farmguy stated: “Ede pain waa.  Eno be say we Ghanaian producers don’t make good movies ooh we do. What’s heartbreaking is knowing that you can produce a great project, yet our local media will ignore it and rather support projects from other countries. Not because theirs are better than ours.”

@VrrVRR20 stated: “Chale ebi yawa oo. Do they know how many people these tv stations send to watch their YouTube channels. I don’t even watch their movies anyway.”

@Flowfy02 stated: “Stifling of someone else’s intellectual prosperity without paying nothing for it . 

Is not called “supporting “ you re siphoning / stealing from the person to enrich urself not supporting.”

@mutariB stated: “See as you dey talk like person wey no get sense😏 Your people are siphoning people's hard work and you're here calling it support. To see Ghanaian wey get sense na by connection and God's grace.” 

@gidiboys2me stated: “Hope you know there is a difference between supporting someone and stealing their intellectual property.” 

@topper_topbyk stated: “in a way they are supporting cos they don’t really end the movie so i would have to go to the youtube channel to continue that’s like supporting.”

@StaggarSterllin stated: “I was just saying the same when I saw the video on TikTok, Ebi the industry and structures adey blame.” 

@Dreamgirlqueenb wrote: “Where is the support here? Or stealing? Wtf you on about???” 

Nollywood producers decry piracy as festive season releases suffer

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the rise of digital platforms and social media made it easier for pirates to distribute copyrighted content, with many movies being released this season suffering from piracy. 

Toyin Abraham, Jade Osiberu and other Nollywood producers have spoken out against movie piracy, which has cost them a fortune. 

Netizens react to the movie producers' warning and outcry.