Veteran Nigerian folk singer Beautiful Nubia has publicly accused gospel artist Yinka Ayefele and another act identified as BBO of allegedly infringing on his intellectual property.

In a strongly worded statement shared online, Beautiful Nubia claimed that both artists lifted melodies from his original song titled Seven Lifes. He questioned why respect for copyright remains a challenge within the Nigerian music industry.

“Both stole their melodies from our original song ‘Seven Lifes.’ When will Nigerians learn to respect copyright?” he wrote.

The allegation has since sparked debate across social media, with fans and industry observers weighing in on the issue of music copyright infringement in Nigeria.

Beautiful Nubia, known for his socially conscious music and long standing influence in Nigeria’s folk genre, suggested that the similarities between the songs were too strong to ignore. While he did not immediately announce any legal action, his public call out has drawn attention to the recurring problem of alleged melody and composition borrowing in the entertainment space.

As of the time of this report, Yinka Ayefele has not released an official response addressing the allegation. BBO has also not publicly commented on the claim.

The controversy has reignited conversations about intellectual property protection in Nigeria, particularly within the music industry where disputes over sampling, melody inspiration and creative ownership are not uncommon.

Copyright infringement in Nigeria is governed by the Nigerian Copyright Act, which protects original musical works from unauthorized reproduction or adaptation. However, enforcement and legal battles can often be lengthy and complex.

Industry analysts note that disputes over musical similarities frequently hinge on technical assessments of composition, melody structure and lyrical originality. In many cases, matters are resolved privately or through legal mediation rather than prolonged public exchanges.

For fans of Beautiful Nubia, the allegation has triggered calls for proper recognition of legacy artists who have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s evolving music landscape. Others have urged caution, noting that allegations of copyright infringement require careful legal and creative review before conclusions are drawn.

The development adds to ongoing conversations about originality, artistic influence and the boundaries between inspiration and duplication in Nigerian music.