Incessant piracy of Yoruba movies has forced marketers at the popular Idumota market in Lagos to stop sale and distribution of new movies in this genre.
Last week, there was neither sale nor distribution of new Yoruba movies, as the marketers complained of ‘exploitation’ by pirates.
Until now, the marketers had been complaining about the damage being done by the activities of pirates. The matter got to a peak earlier this year when pirates took advantage of new technology to release of 5-in-1 in DVDs after the release of the original copy by the marketers.
Government agencies responsible for tackling piracy seem not up to the task of taking on the pirates, who are having a field day doing their illegal business.
The marketers, it was gathered, having adopted various methods to stop the act of piracy of their works without success, decided to suspend release of new Yoruba movies.
Confirming this, Chairman of Yoruba Video Film Producers and Marketers, Alhaji Toyin Usman said sale of Yoruba films at Idumota will stop for now.
“The strike is indefinite, and we don’t know when it will be called off”, said Usman , who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Toymax Holding Company.
He however did not fail to acknowledge the effort of Lagos State government. “Lagos state government has been so helpful in this fight against pirates, especially the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji”
Most movies pirates are believed to be based at the Alaba International Market in Ojo Local government of Lagos state.
