Drama as Okoroji is reinstated as COSON chairman, says his removal was a conspiracy

Two weeks ago, Now Muzik founder Efe Omoregbe was installed as the new chairman of the Copy Right Society of Nigeria (COSON) amid pomp, replacing Tony Okorji who has been at the helm for years.

But the tables turned a few days ago when Tony Okoroji was dramatically installed again to lead the society by members of COSON who said they wanted him to continue his leadership.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Okoroji said the initial move to replace him with Efe Omoregbe was bizarre and a conspiracy.

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“I attended an emergency board meeting that called for a specific matter. Suddenly, I was told to step down, with no prior notice, no charges, no hearing, nothing. I understood immediately that a conspiracy had been hatched. It was a coup. I saw some of the people I used to eat and drink with, with bloodshot eyes, desperately trying to find something to hang on my neck! I knew instantly that the coup was sponsored by elements outside of COSON.

“I am sensitive to anything that would destroy COSON or damage the great brand that we have painstakingly built through unbelievable toil. I did not want any controversy around COSON. I did not want COSON to become another PMAN. I do not have an office, cubicle or desk at COSON House which I laboured to build. I had nothing to pack. So, I picked up my laptop and left COSON House without complaining to anyone. My private office at TOPS is not far from COSON House so I went there to work. I did not think it made any sense to show any anger because of what had just happened. I would have given the enemies of COSON underserved pleasure.”

Okoroji said it was through the efforts of COSON members from around Nigeria who had gathered for a scheduled general meeting that he got his mandate back.

“Members of COSON from every corner of the nation met at COSON House. It was a scheduled general meeting which usually holds every year in the last seven years. In the interest of peace, I had decided to stay away from the meeting. I was at work when I received a phone call from one of our most esteemed members, Prof Victor Uwaifo, who told me that he was chairing the meeting and that the members of COSON insisted on seeing me. I tried to argue with him but he was insistent. In our industry, you do not say no to a legend like Sir Victor Uwaifo. So, I went to the COSON House, the first time in 12 days, and found the place overflowing with COSON members. The reception I received will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. I cried,” he said.

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