Nigeria’s entertainment industry, encompassing Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and more, has evolved into a global cultural powerhouse. Despite challenges like inflation, piracy, and weak regulatory frameworks, it has maintained remarkable growth, contributing over $10 billion annually to the nation’s economy.
According to Nairametrics.com, tied to this success are talented legal minds who ensure the industry’s stakeholders—actors, musicians, producers, and brands—are safeguarded. Among these professionals are seven influential female lawyers driving transformative change:
1. Isioma Idigbe
Isioma heads the Media & Entertainment Practice Group and is the Managing Director of Verif Content. A graduate of the University of Kent and Nigerian Law School, she specializes in intellectual property due diligence. A Rising Star Award winner, Isioma also serves as Secretary of the Music Publishers Association of Nigeria, cementing her influence in the creative sector.
2. Omotayo Queen Inakoju
As the Head of Legal at EbonyLife Media, Omotayo oversees multinational film deals and intellectual property strategy. A certified member of the Nigerian Bar Association and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, she is pivotal in shaping contracts and ensuring legal compliance for some of Nigeria’s most prominent entertainment projects.
3. Folake Falana
Folake, an international lawyer and founder of Folke Consulting, is a leader in entertainment law. She represents music and film clients, ensuring their works gain global traction. Beyond her legal prowess, she educates entertainers through podcasts and training programs, bolstering her role as an industry advocate.
4. Amanda Uzoagba
Amanda is the Head of Licensing for West Africa at Mdundo.com, managing music rights and licensing agreements. Her career spans leadership roles in organizations like EbonyLife and GoldWhisk Consult, where she facilitated multimillion-dollar deals, helping African artists expand their global reach.
5. Oluyemisi Falaye
With nearly two decades of experience, Oluyemisi leads legal and talent management at The Temple Company. She has represented stars like Davido and Adekunle Gold and handled negotiations for major projects, including The Wedding Party 2. Her expertise spans intellectual property, immigration, and corporate law.
6. Abidemi Opeyemi
A Managing Associate at Pentagon Partners Legal Practitioners, Abidemi specializes in governance, intellectual property, and entertainment law. She played a key role in resolving intellectual property disputes for Nollywood stars and has represented brands like Moet Hennessy and Multichoice Nigeria in landmark legal cases.
7. Oyinkansola Fawehinmi
Founder of Zaeda Oracle Limited, Oyinkansola has over a decade of experience in talent management and intellectual property law. She facilitated rights clearance for Nollywood blockbusters like Gangs of Lagos and handled licensing deals with Netflix and the NFL. As a mentor, she has nurtured top African music producers, boosting their global profiles.
These women are not only legal experts but also champions of innovation, ensuring Nigerian creatives thrive on the global stage.
This list was curated by Nairametrics, to celebrate their indispensable role and impact on the nation’s cultural and economic narrative.
