Lagos, Nigeria — Popular Nigerian comedian and skit maker Ogbuefi Igotuk has raised alarm over the unauthorized use of his creative works, lamenting that repeated cases of content theft have led to the demonetization of his Facebook page.
In a heartfelt post on his verified social media handle, the comedian expressed deep frustration at how individuals and platforms are allegedly re-uploading his videos, claiming ownership, and even copyrighting his original content. According to him, this exploitation has not only cost him financially but has also affected his page’s visibility and recommendations on Facebook’s algorithm.
“Please, if you’re one of the people using my videos to make money, I’m begging you—have some compassion and at least give me proper credit. It’s disheartening to see my intellectual property being used without permission. Now, because of this, my page has been demonetized,” he wrote.
From Passion to Frustration
Ogbuefi Igotuk, born and raised in the Southeast of Nigeria, has built a reputation as one of the fast-rising voices in online comedy, blending witty satire, cultural references, and everyday humor that resonates with millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.
Though he often insists that his journey into comedy has been driven by passion rather than money, his online presence has grown into a vital source of livelihood and a hub for fans who depend on his skits for laughter and social commentary.
Fans React
The comedian’s post drew hundreds of comments from fans and followers, many of whom sympathized with his plight while advising him on steps to reclaim his content. Some encouraged him to copyright his videos and verify his page, while others reminded him of past statements that he was not in comedy for monetary gain.
One fan, Noble Angel, advised: “You have to set your account properly to avoid copyright.”
Another, Victor Power Ochendo, suggested: “Verify, do more live videos and then copyright your content to help get back on track.”
The comedian later clarified that while he has always created for passion, the demonetization stemmed from Facebook’s AI mistakenly flagging his page as unoriginal due to widespread re-uploads of his videos.
A Wider Problem in the Creator Economy
Igotuk’s situation underscores a growing challenge faced by content creators across Africa, where intellectual property theft and lack of digital rights enforcement remain persistent issues. Many comedians, musicians, and skit makers have complained of losing revenue and visibility because their works are pirated, reposted, or wrongly claimed by others.
For Ogbuefi Igotuk, the ordeal has been a wake-up call. He continues to urge fans and fellow creators to respect originality and support those who invest their time, creativity, and resources into producing content.
“It’s not fair. All I’m asking for is respect for my creativity,” he concluded.
As the battle for digital recognition intensifies, Igotuk’s story shines a spotlight on the urgent need for stronger intellectual property protection for African creators in the global digital economy.
