A fresh appeal has been released by Rockson Legal following months of unsuccessful attempts to reach the estate of the late filmmaker Ladi Ladebo, producer of the landmark 1977 Nigerian film Bisi, Daughter of the River. The firm disclosed that its client has made repeated efforts to secure copyright clearance for a contemporary remake of the classic but has received no response from any known representatives of the estate.
In the notice, dated 7 December 2025, the law firm explained that the proposed adaptation cannot proceed without proper authorisation from the rights holders. The statement notes that numerous outreach efforts, carried out over an extended period, have all failed to establish contact.
The firm is now urging members of the public who may have verifiable information about the estate to assist in bridging the communication gap. It called on anyone with relevant details to reach Rockson A. Igelige of Rockson Legal through its official means.
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The notice adds that if there is still no response three weeks after the publication of the appeal in national newspapers and across digital platforms, the firm intends to apply for a compulsory licence under Section 35(1) of the Copyright Act 2022. According to the statement, the next step would be taken either on the grounds of public interest or to address concerns linked to market dominance and access.
The announcement has generated renewed attention around Bisi, Daughter of the River, a film regarded as one of the early pillars of Nigerian cinema. With the planned remake attracting industry curiosity, the legal pathway chosen by the firm is expected to spark wider debate within Nollywood about copyright access, the preservation of legacy films and the responsibility of rights holders.
Rockson Legal reaffirmed its commitment to following due process and noted that all attempts being made are in line with Nigerian copyright law as the firm continues its search for the appropriate representatives of the Ladebo estate.
