PMAN’s Leadership Crisis Deepens as National Treasurer Disassociates Himself from Ex-NWC

 

(PMAN National Treasurer, Mr. Baba Ojonugwa (J.F.O)

In an unfolding leadership crisis within the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), the association’s National Treasurer, Mr. Baba Ojonugwa (J.F.O), has formally disassociated himself from the actions of the ex-members of the National Working Committee (NWC). This development, revealed in an official letter dated 6th September 2024, could severely impact the ongoing legal battle and governance of the union.

In the letter, Mr. Baba Ojonugwa emphatically stated that his signature had been fraudulently used in several correspondences, press releases, and notices issued by the ex-NWC members without his consent. Despite multiple warnings, the ex-NWC members, including Mr. Sunny Neji, Mr. Zaaki Azzay, Mr. Stephen Michael (Ruggedman), Mr. Boniface Itodo, and Mr. Faga Bem Paul, continued to use his name and signature in their communications, further exacerbating the crisis within the union. Ojonugwa’s disassociation has not only raised ethical concerns about the integrity of the ex-NWC members but also cast serious doubt on the legitimacy of their actions.

PMAN ex-Treasurer, Asha Gangali

Mr. Ojonugwa’s disassociation from the ex-NWC has far-reaching implications, especially in the suit recently filed by the ex-NWC members against PMAN’s current leadership. With his disassociation, the ex-NWC is now unable to form a quorum, which, according to Article 12 (G) of the PMAN Constitution, requires six members of the NWC to convene and make decisions. This leaves the ex-NWC in a precarious position as they can no longer legally hold meetings or claim to represent PMAN in any official capacity.

In his letter, Mr. Ojonugwa made it clear that he had never consented to the use of his digital signature and expressed his deep concern over the confusion caused by the ex-NWC’s unauthorized actions. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the PMAN Constitution and serving in the best interests of the association and its members. He urged the ex-NWC members to desist from further misuse of his name and warned that any future documents bearing his signature without explicit consent would be considered unauthorized and illegitimate.

As the crisis deepens, it remains to be seen how the ex-NWC will proceed, given their inability to meet the quorum required to make binding decisions on behalf of PMAN. 

PMAN President, Pretty Okafor

PMAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) is expected to take swift action in response to these developments. With Ojonugwa's clear disassociation, the NEC has grounds to seek legal remedies to remove the association's name from the ex-NWC's suit. This ongoing internal conflict continues to jeopardize the integrity of PMAN, but with the National Treasurer’s recent move, the tide may finally be turning in favor of the current leadership.

As this saga unfolds, all eyes are on the PMAN NEC and its legal counsel to restore order and ensure that the association's future is secured for the benefit of its members.