Rockson Igelige, prominent Nigerian intellectual property lawyer, dies at 55

Prominent Nigerian entertainment and intellectual property lawyer Rockson Akpotiri Igelige has died at the age of 55. He reportedly passed away after slumping at his residence in Oleh, Delta State, on Friday, August 21, 2026. The exact cause of death has not been officially disclosed.

Igelige was a highly regarded advocate for the rights of creatives in Nigeria, particularly within Nollywood and the music industry. He focused his career on advancing copyright protection, fair contracts, and royalty arrangements. He was the founder of the Friends of the Creator (Artistic) Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting the interests of artists and creative professionals.

An alumnus of the University of Jos and Delta State University, Igelige also earned a Master of Laws in Entertainment Law from the University of Westminster in London. His academic work specifically addressed legal frameworks regarding film piracy in both Britain and Nigeria. Beyond his legal practice, he was a former politician who served as a councillor for Oleh Ward 1.