What you need to know about plagiarism allegation against Niyi Akinmolayan by Wana Udobang

chibumga izuzu

October 17, 2016 1:16 PM

Wana Udobang says "Room 315," which is currently in pre-production by Anthill, was copied from her web series, "Room 313."

Niyi Akinmolayan and Wana Udobang

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According to Udobang, Akinmolayan's open short film project undefined which is currently in pre-production by Anthill, was copied from her web series, "Room 313."

"Room 315" revolves around a psychotherapist, his patients, their sessions and his past, while "Room 313" is an experimental series about people who have experienced trauma, undergoing therapy.

"Room 315" is written by Abosi Ogba, who won the scriptwriting competition held by Akinmolayan in July, 2016. He beat top three contenders including Phoenix Ifeoma's "Pastorpreneur," and Okonkwo Johnson Stephen's "The Salon" to emerge the winner.

The short film which has been described as a joint effort, has lots of talented filmmakers like Tina Mba, Bimbo Manuel, Greg OJ, Emmanuel Uduma, Uduak Isong, volunteering to be a part of it.

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Following the accusations and series of tweets, both parties have responded to the 'theft' allegation and drama surrounding their projects.

"I was hopeful that a simple conversation about a name change despite the glaring obvious would be a simple and amicable way to solve this issue," Udobang said in a statement that can be read in tweet below.

Akinmolyan responded to her request for a change of name with a tweet -"Lol...ko Le werk."

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According to "The Arbitration" director, there are significant differences between the two projects.

"Room 315 is a psychological drama about a psychiatrist and his odd patients’ whose stories weave together into a startling revelation, revealing life’s interesting connections," he said. "Wana Udobang’s Room 313 is a series in which each episode features a monologue about their varied life experiences. While the titles – Room 315 and Room 313 – are similar, Abosi used his birthday, 31 of May, as the number of his character’s office, Room 315, in his screenplay. He shared this in a Facebook live video over a month ago."

"Based on these clear differences, we believe that the allegation of plagiarism leveled against Abosi Ogba are unfounded. We have attached the script of Room 315. A simple read of the script and perusal of Wana’s show will prove our stance."

Check out some responses to the plagiarism allegation against "Room 315."

Written and directed by Wana Udobang, 'Room 313' is produced by Imoh ‘Majorboy’ Umoren.

"Room 315" which has its shoot date set for Saturday, October 22, 2016, stars veterans Tina Mba and Bimbo Manuel as Edwina and Dr. Stone respectively.

Greg OJ and Jessica Opara will play Adam and Nina respectively inthe short film which will premiere at a FilmHouse cinema once completed.

"I want to basically show nollywood that we can work together if we commit to doing so," Akinmolayan had said to Pulse Nigeria about the collective project.

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