Creativity Meets the Law: IPLC Summit Ignites Big Ideas in Adekunle Ajasin University.
By: Lkite Anjola & Lkite Henry
Nelson Mandela Hall, AAUA — On June 27, 2025, the Intellectual Property Law Club (IPLC) AAUA, in collaboration with the Inte-tainment Law Club (ILC), hosted an enlightening summit themed "Art & Law: The Place of Intellectual Property in the Future of Creative Works." The event attracted a mix of creatives, law students, and distinguished professionals from the entertainment and legal industries, all converging to figure out the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of law and artistry.
Though slated to begin at 10 AM, the summit officially commenced at 11:33 AM with an opening prayer by Charity-Leke Akingboye, setting a purposeful tone. The audience was then welcomed by Ms. Itarin Eniola—Director of Policies and Publicity for IPLC—whose charm and engagement instantly ignited the room. Alongside her co-host, Mr. Akinsulure Semilore, the duo ordered the day’s program with ease and intellectual flair.
Following opening remarks and interactive audience questions spotlighted expectations from students and an overview of IP law by respected faculty member Dr. Akinselure John. He emphasized the growing necessity for protecting creators’ ideas and the transformative role IP could play in Nigeria’s creative economy.
IPLC President, Mr. Adetiba Folagbade, later addressed the audience with a heartfelt welcome and apologies for the delayed start, he appreciated the lineup of dignitaries, including the summit’s chief sponsor, Hon. Abiola Makinde, a ranking member of the House of Representatives. A host of entertainment law heavyweights were in attendance—among them Barr. Lucklyn Audu, legal counsel to artists like Kiss Daniel; Barr. Oluseye Abogunrin, an associate of Turdo Legal and legal rep for Spyro and Jonzing World; and notable alumni like Barr. Samuel Olufowose and Barr. Samson Odelowo.
A particularly moving moment came during the spoken word performance by Wumi Owoeye (Wumi Wordsmith), whose powerful piece aroused the need to protect artistic expression with legal safeguards and the auditorium echoed with applause.
An extemporaneous yet inspiring speech by past IPLC president Esquire Oluseyi Ugonna celebrated the club’s accomplishments, noting that IPLC AAUA is the first intellectual property club in Nigeria to publish a dedicated IP magazine, and only the second to organize a full summit. He lauded the event as a historic milestone.
The panel session, moderated by Eniola, brought together legal giants for a robust conversation that tackled Nigeria’s legal lacunae in IP enforcement. Panelists emphasized the urgent need for specialized IP courts, shared real-world litigation experiences, and called for a localized approach to IP legislation that reflects Nigeria’s unique creative landscape.
The panel session
Beyond legislation, the panel offered an honest look into life as an entertainment lawyer, highlighting the importance of relationships, mentorship, and a practical grasp of contracts, torts, and intellectual property doctrines.
One highlight was the discussion on sampling, interpolation, and 360-degree rights, illuminated by real examples from Nigerian music. Notably, Tems’ "Love Me Jeje" and Burna Boy’s "Last Last" were used to explain complex IP concepts in accessible terms. Student Mr. Omole Oluwadamilare (Jazparo) spurred this exchange with a sharp question that invited lively responses from panelists, especially Barr. Audu, who broke down the nuances clearly.
Entertainment pulsed again as Bolutayo Rachael delivered a standout performance that had the hall singing.
As the summit neared its close, the atmosphere remained charged. Victor, a 500-level student, delivered a rousing musical performance, and Ms. Dada Oreoluwa closed with an oratory that earned a standing ovation. A trailer for "THE JUDGEMENT DAY," produced by Barr. Samuel Olufowose, was premiered, teasing further creative triumphs on the horizon.
Energy soared higher with the launch of the IPLC magazine titled THE MINDSCAPE, featuring interviews with trailblazers like Akinyemi Ayinoluwa (Akinyemi Law), Amanda Uzoagba, and Gracey Mae . The launch climaxed with a wave of generosity—Barr. Olumuyiwa Adu (Cubana) donated ₦2,000,000, followed by Hon. Makinde’s ₦1,000,000 contribution, sparking awe from the audience.
Closing remarks by President Folagbade tied the summit together with gratitude and purpose. He thanked the dedicated executives of IPLC and ILC by name, mentioning the collaborative effort that brought the vision to life.
Indeed, the IPLC Summit 1.0 wasn’t just a conference, it was a canvas where law met rhythm, where innovation met tradition, and where Nigeria’s next generation of legal creatives found their stage.
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