Mercy Johnson Calls Out Power Oil Over Image Use

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has publicly called out Power Oil, accusing the brand of continuing to use her image years after their endorsement contract expired, in a scathing social media post that has ignited a conversation about the treatment of brand ambassadors in Nigeria's entertainment industry.

The actress, who was formerly a brand ambassador for Power Oil, took to her social media platforms to express her frustration over the brand's alleged continued use of her image despite the expiration of their professional agreement. In a post that has since generated widespread reactions, Johnson-Okojie made it clear that she would no longer tolerate what she described as an unacceptable violation of her professional rights.

"What is going on? I have moved on. My contract with Power Oil expired years ago. So why is my picture still being used?" the actress questioned. She demanded that the company immediately cease using her image, warning that she would take further action if her request was not honoured. "Stop using my picture. My contract expired years ago," she stated, adding that she had already informed her lawyers to take appropriate steps to address the situation.

The development has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of brand ambassadors and the protection of image rights in Nigeria's entertainment industry. Endorsement deals are a significant source of income for Nigerian celebrities, and the unauthorized use of a celebrity's image after a contract has expired constitutes a breach of professional ethics and, potentially, a legal violation. Under Nigerian law, the unauthorized commercial use of an individual's image can constitute a violation of their right to privacy and personality rights, and aggrieved parties may be entitled to damages.

Johnson-Okojie's public call-out is not the first time a Nigerian celebrity has clashed with a brand over the use of their image. In recent years, several artists and actors have accused companies of continuing to use their likeness after endorsement deals had ended, leading to legal disputes and public spats. The recurring nature of these disputes suggests a systemic problem in how brands and celebrities manage the transition at the end of endorsement agreements.

Industry observers have noted that the issue often arises when contracts lack clear provisions for the removal of a celebrity's image from marketing materials upon expiration. In some cases, brands deliberately continue to use a well-known face to maintain consumer recognition, calculating that the celebrity may not notice or may choose not to pursue legal action. Johnson-Okojie's decision to speak out publicly is seen by many as a necessary step to hold brands accountable and deter similar practices in the future.

The actress has been one of Nollywood's most recognisable faces for over two decades, with a career that spans hundreds of films and a massive fan base across Nigeria and beyond. Her brand value has made her a sought-after ambassador for numerous companies over the years, and her endorsement deals have been a testament to her enduring popularity. The alleged continued use of her image by Power Oil, therefore, represents not just a professional grievance but a significant financial issue, as the actress may have lost potential endorsement opportunities due to the brand's continued association with her likeness.

The development has drawn mixed reactions from fans and followers, with many expressing support for the actress and urging her to take legal action, while others called on Power Oil to respond to the allegations. Some fans noted that Johnson-Okojie's public stance would encourage other celebrities to be more vigilant about protecting their images. Others questioned why the brand would continue to use the image of an ambassador whose contract had expired, describing the practice as unprofessional and disrespectful.

As of the time of reporting, Power Oil had not issued a formal response to the allegations. The company's silence has done little to quell the growing controversy, and the matter may yet escalate into a legal battle if the two parties cannot reach an amicable resolution. For Johnson-Okojie, the call-out is not just about her own image; it is about sending a message that Nigerian celebrities will not allow themselves to be exploited by brands that fail to respect the terms of their agreements. As the entertainment industry continues to mature, the protection of image rights and the enforcement of endorsement contracts will remain critical issues that demand attention from both celebrities and the companies that seek to benefit from their influence.