On Friday June 3, 2016, Lydia Obasi Hills, Esq., a New York litigator and entertainment lawyer, secured a temporary injunction, on behalf of Eric Many, Ltd., in the Eastern District of New York against Runtown and his manager, Bugu Aneto Okeke, barring all U.S. performances and appearances by the Nigerian pop star.
Runtown has been hit with a court injunction in the US, a new twist in the battle between him and his record label.
On Friday June 3, 2016, Lydia Obasi Hills, Esq., a New York litigator and entertainment lawyer, secured a temporary injunction, on behalf of Eric Many, Ltd., in the Eastern District of New York against Runtown and his manager, Bugu Aneto Okeke, barring all U.S. performances and appearances by the Nigerian pop star.
Ms. Obasi Hills argued before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto, who found that "Nigerian music is on the verge of crossing over into North American popular music as demonstrated by Nigerian musical artist Wizkid's performance on the number one single 'One Dance' by Drake," and that the "totality of potential losses that EricMany will likely face from Runtown's actions are incalculable." Judge Matsumoto found that a "Nigerian court issued an interim injunction dated May 20, 2016, that enjoins Runtown" and that it "will be virtually impossible to quantify the losses that EricMany will suffer if it is not affiliated with Runtown during this critical time for Nigerian music."
Ms. Obasi Hills presented evidence to the Court that Runtown was not only in breach of his record contract, but was also planning a U.S. tour, titled "Ghetto University USA Tour," without the consent of his label, which would have been in violation of the May 20, 2016 Lagos Federal High Court injunction. Ms. Obasi Hills also presented evidence that Runtown was making false and malicious defamatory statements against EricMany and its CEO, Prince Okwudili Umenyiora. Judge Matsumoto ultimately entered an Order restraining and enjoining Douglas Jack Agu (“Runtown”), Bugu Aneto Okeke, Bug Media Limited, and Bug Entertainment and Media Limited, from "singing, appearing, hosting, performing, promoting, arranging, facilitating, scheduling, advertising or permitting the performance of Douglas Jack Agu "Runtown" at any venue on or after June 3, 2016."
According to Ms. Obasi Hills, she hopes "Runtown's injunction sends a message to Nigerian artists that it's important to respect the sanctity of contracts, and to work with their labels who often invest large sums into promoting their careers." Runtown sought to breach his contract with EricMany, Ltd., to which he was the sole artist on the label.
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