In the meantime, Popular Nigerian comedian, Chukwuemeka Ejekwu Oga Sabinus also known as Mr Funny has been trending on social media. This is because of a major allegation he made against The Peak Milk and Gala companies.
However, we realised that many people do not know why Oga Sabinus is trending let alone have a good insight into the crux of the matter between the concerned parties.
This is why Naija Banquet thought to intimate you with everything we know about the Oga Sabinus and Peak Milk/Gala companies saga.
You, therefore, have no other option than to read this story from the beginning to the end.
Oga Sabinus VS Peak Milk and Gala— The Backdrop
Anyone familiar with the content of the Oga Sabinus knows that the catchphrase “something hooge” is accredited to him. This is because he uses it often in his comedy skits.
To our knowledge, “Something hooge (is coming)” is a slang term that means “things are about to change for the better.”
Because of the universality of this phrase and the experience that birthed it, “something hooge” has become a popular saying among Nigerians.
Similarly, Oga Sabinus is known for his uncommon facial expressions. One of those expressions suggests “planning to make a move or calculating.” Subsequently, this has been a major mark of identity that distinguishes the comedian from his contemporaries.
The Allegations
In a statement signed by the lawyer of the Nigerian comedian, Oga Sabinus sues Friesland and UAC, the manufacturers of Peak Milk and UAC for unauthorised use of his intellectual properties.
Reportedly, Friesland Foods and producer of Peak Milk used Oga Sabinu’s slogan “Something Hooge” to promote their product via an online advertisement.
UAC Foods Ltd. too in a similar manner used Oga Sabinu’s caricature to make an advert for their Gala Sausage Roll Product without his consent.
Meanwhile, both the slogan and his caricature are registered trademarks with the Nigerian government.
Therefore to these ends, Oga Sabinus calls out Friesland and UAC companies and sues both companies for a sum of 1.1 Billion Naira giving them a period of two weeks to respond to his demands.
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Oga Sabinus writes Friesland Wamco Nigeria Plc:
“Our client briefed us and we believe the same to be true that your Company, Friesland Foods Wamco Nigeria Plc, used a trademarked slogan ‘Something Hooge’ for the promotion of your Peak Milk product,”
“The advert which was made on the Peak Milk Nigeria verified Instagram page (peak_milk) was posted on the 24th day of May 2022 which was used to promote the Peak National Breakfast Week.
“It will interest you to know that the phrase ‘something hooge’, which was popularized by our client, has been trademarked and legally reserved as his intellectual property by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.
“The said slogan was trademarked on the 26th of November 2021 with the file number: NG/TM/O/2021/48316. 10. On this note, we make the demand for the payment of the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (N500m) as compensation for the unauthorized use of the intellectual property belonging to our client.
“And another five hundred million Naira for damages for the trauma; emotional, physical, psychological, and mental trauma our client has suffered for the Trademark theft and infringement of his intellectual property rights.
“We also pass a stern warning for your company to cease forthwith the use of slogans, expressions, images, or any other intellectual properties belonging to our client without his express consent and authorization.”
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Mr Sabinus writes UAC Food Ltd.
“Your company UAC Food Ltd. has been using the brand picture and other intellectual properties of Sabinus to make adverts for your Gala sausage roll without the consent or authorization of our clients,” another notice
“You made a post on your verified Instagram handle (gala sausage roll), on the 23rd of May, 2022 with the picture of our client. The post which was a cartoon of our client was captioned ‘the way I calculate everything in my life’.
“We demand that you pay our client the sum of one hundred million Naira (N100m) for the use of the picture which is the average fee our client charges for his picture to be used for adverts and promotions.
“It will be in your best interest to heed our warning and meet our demands and if at the end of 14 working days.”
In the light of the above, Naija Banquet decided to visit the social media pages of Peak Milk and Gala companies to confirm if those allegations are true. Interestingly, we found them as alleged.
What is Next for Oga Sabinus, Peak Milk and Gala Companies?—Our Pennyworth
The allegations have been made and the case is still being reviewed by the court of public opinion. However, the accused parties are yet to respond to the comedian’s allegations and or demands.
For us, this is a very smart move by Oga Sabinus. A very interesting one at that, which could earn him millions of naira at the end of the day.
We are not unaware of the fact that those items that Oga Sabinus is suing the above companies have been used indiscriminately by many Nigerians. However, we cannot carpet the fact that the companies in question used them business-wise.
If the companies fail to meet Oga Sabinus demands after the given ultimatum, Mr Funny might win the case in court, provided the evidence that have now gone viral.
We are hopeful that the parties settle out of court very soon.
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