One of the most popular comedians about town, Femi Edwards, is not in a mood to crack his usual laughter-inducing jokes right now. He is angry with MTN, the telecommunications giant, whom he believes have been using his brand name to rake in cool billions of Naira without him getting a dime. Therefore, he has dragged the company before a federal high court in Lagos.
The man who has performed at many a high octane shindig for the Lagos crowd is also the brains behind Comedy+, a platform which he established in 2008 for the promotion of the comedy industry. With sales outlets in many states of the federation, Comedy+ has come to be known as Femi Edwards’ signature in the entertainment sector.
Things became complicated when MTN in March 2017 launched a digital video-on-demand platform also dubbed Comedy+ as a service for the use of its mobile subscribers. Femi has made a hue and cry over the issue, arguing that MTN stole his brand name and are not only misleading the public but also making huge profits from the deception.
He has therefore stormed the court with prayers to stop the telecoms company from further using the brand name, while also paying him a significant amount of compensation for loss of revenue. MTN, who are the largest mobile company by subscriber base in the country, have however stood their ground, maintaining that Femi is not entitled to even one kobo. They have instructed their lawyers to vehemently contest his claims.
Consequently, the judge presiding over the case, Justice Chuka Obiozor, has adjourned till May 9, 2019 when he will hear the arguments of learned counsels. In the meantime, Femi can only gnash his teeth in frustration as MTN’s Comedy+ online service continues to enjoy huge patronage.