Actress Dayo Amusa finds herself embroiled in controversy after allegedly copying a heartfelt social media post originally written by media strategist and women’s advocate Esther Ijewere. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about intellectual property, attribution, and accountability in the digital age.
The controversy began when Esther Ijewere, founder of Women of Rubies and a vocal advocate for women’s rights, shared a deeply personal reflection on March 14. Her post explored singer Asake’s childhood struggles and the profound impact of parental rejection, resonating with many readers and sparking discussions about empathy and understanding. The heartfelt message quickly gained traction, earning praise for its authenticity and insight.
By the following day, however, Dayo Amusa had reposted an identical version of Ijewere’s post on her Facebook and Instagram pages without crediting the original author. This oversight drew immediate backlash from social media users, who accused Amusa of plagiarism and demanded justice for Ijewere.
On March 15, Ijewere addressed the situation publicly, expressing her disappointment and frustration. “Dear Dayo Amusa, You took my post from my Facebook page and shared it as your own on Facebook and Instagram without giving me proper credit. Please do the right thing and acknowledge my work. It’s important to respect and credit the original creator,” she wrote.
Amusa initially defended her actions, explaining that she had received the post via WhatsApp and was unaware of its origin. In a comment on Instagram, she wrote, “E dey pain you say I no tag your name abi. Pele baby!!! Like I told you in your DM earlier. I don’t know you, let alone knowing you were the original writer. It was copied from a friend’s WhatsApp, and I even screenshot am for you to see. I felt the need to share to a wider audience coz I related so well with the circumstances. And am sure you & your soldiers aren’t blind to see the #copied at the end of the post, meaning I take no credit to the post.”
She went on to add, “How market? Enjoying the gbasgbos? Have fun and enjoy it while it lasts.”
Despite Amusa’s attempts to mitigate the situation, many users remained unconvinced. They argued that adding the hashtag #copied after being confronted did not constitute proper acknowledgment. Social media users expressed their frustration, pointing out that Ijewere’s post was deeply personal and tied to her own lived experiences, making the lack of credit even more egregious.
The situation has sparked broader discussions about the ethics of sharing content online. While Amusa claimed ignorance, many questioned why she did not investigate the source of the post before reposting it. Esther Ijewere, who has spent years advocating for creatives and amplifying their voices through her platform, expressed her disappointment over the incident. “That article was personal to me. It wasn’t just about Asake; it was about my own lived experiences. I have always supported creatives and amplified their voices. To see another woman take credit for my work and then mock me for speaking up is disappointing.”
Ijewere’s frustration stems not only from the lack of credit but also from the dismissive tone of Amusa’s response. Many users agreed, emphasizing that simply tagging #copied does not absolve Amusa of responsibility. The hashtag, they argued, feels like a superficial attempt to avoid accountability rather than a genuine acknowledgment of Ijewere’s work.
The backlash has also prompted a larger conversation about the responsibilities of influencers and public figures in the digital age. As social media platforms continue to blur the lines between personal and public spaces, users are increasingly demanding accountability from those who wield influence. Esther Ijewere’s case serves as a cautionary tale, reminding creators of the importance of respecting intellectual property and giving credit where it is due.
For many, the incident underscores the need for greater awareness and education about copyright and attribution. Social media users have called for stricter guidelines and more transparent practices when sharing content online. They argue that while reposting content can be a powerful tool for amplification, it must be done ethically and with respect for the original creator.
Dayo Amusa’s response has sparked mixed reactions, with some sympathizing with her explanation while others remain critical. Regardless of one’s stance, the incident highlights the delicate balance between sharing and stealing in the digital sphere. It serves as a reminder that while inspiration is valuable, originality and respect for creators are equally important.
Esther Ijewere’s advocacy work has always centered on empowering women and amplifying marginalized voices. Her frustration over the alleged plagiarism reflects her commitment to fairness and justice. While the controversy may have tarnished her initial joy over the post’s resonance, it has also sparked a necessary dialogue about ethics in content sharing.
As the dust settles, the incident serves as a learning opportunity for both creators and consumers. It underscores the importance of giving credit where it is due and holding accountable those who fail to do so. Esther Ijewere’s story is a reminder that while the internet provides endless opportunities for connection and amplification, it also demands responsibility and respect for the creators who bring ideas to life.
In a world where information flows freely, the boundaries between sharing and stealing are becoming increasingly blurred. Dayo Amusa’s alleged plagiarism highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and accountability in the digital age. As Esther Ijewere continues to advocate for creatives, her experience serves as a cautionary tale, urging all users to tread carefully when sharing content online.
