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Tag: PMAN

  • PMAN suspends national president, appoints Sydney Sparrow on acting capacity 

    PMAN suspends national president, appoints Sydney Sparrow on acting capacity 

    The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the immediate suspension of its National President, Pretty Okafor, following an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).

    The decision was contained in a communiqué issued on December 25, 2025, after the NEC deliberated on what it described as pressing governance concerns affecting the association.

    In the interim, the Governor of the FCT Chapter of PMAN, Mr. Sydney Sparrow, has been appointed Acting President to prevent a leadership vacuum.

    According to the NEC, Okafor’s suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending the conclusion of a full investigation and disciplinary process.

    The communiqué stated that the action became necessary due to alleged persistent violations of PMAN’s constitution, abuse of office, disregard for due process and actions considered detrimental to the welfare, integrity and credibility of the association.

    One of the major issues cited was the unilateral appointment of officers. The Council accused the suspended President of appointing a “First Vice President” and “Second Vice President” without the required consultation, approval or ratification of the NEC, in violation of constitutional provisions. Despite objections, the appointees were reportedly added to the NEC platform and allowed to participate in meetings.

    The NEC also condemned the removal of the duly elected National Treasurer, who was allegedly excluded from the NEC platform after raising concerns over the auditing of PMAN’s accounts. The Council described the action as an attack on transparency and accountability.

    In addition, the communiqué noted the poor performance of the National Working Committee under Okafor’s leadership, citing its failure to organise nationally recognised events such as the PMAN Music Awards, implement meaningful welfare programmes for musicians and enforce regulatory standards within the industry.

    The Council further accused the President of intolerance of dissenting views, saying his leadership style stifled democratic participation, undermined teamwork and created a hostile working environment within the association.

    Another major concern raised was a controversial Joint Venture agreement involving PMAN property in Abuja. According to the NEC, the deal allegedly allocates 60 per cent to a developer, 30 per cent to PMAN and an unexplained 10 per cent to an unknown company, raising concerns over transparency, possible conflict of interest and financial misrepresentation.

    As part of its resolutions, the NEC announced that all unilateral appointments made by the suspended President have been nullified, the National Treasurer reinstated, and a forensic audit of PMAN’s accounts and recent Joint Venture agreements approved.

    PMAN urged its members nationwide to remain calm, stressing that the suspension is corrective rather than punitive, and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring transparency, accountability and proper governance within the association.

    The NEC emphasised that PMAN remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian musicians and upholding the constitution guiding the association.

  • PMAN commends Otti for approving ₦20m  lifeline for ailing musician, Daddy Fresh

    PMAN commends Otti for approving ₦20m  lifeline for ailing musician, Daddy Fresh

    The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has lauded the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for approving a ₦20million medical support fund for veteran Nigerian artist, Innocent Michael Onyebuchi, popularly known as Daddy Fresh.

    According to the association, the gesture demonstrates the governor’s compassion and commitment to preserving Nigeria’s creative industry and honouring those who contributed significantly to its growth. The funds are expected to cater to the medical needs of the ailing musician.

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    In a statement signed by Elizabeth Gabriel, Esq., (Acting General Secretary) PMAN also acknowledged the role of Hon. Dr. Martins Okey Justice (J. Martins), Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism, whose intervention and follow-up were instrumental in securing the approval. Appreciation was further extended to Naijagal for amplifying the call for support, as well as fans and Nigerians who have continued to pray for Daddy Fresh.

    PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, assured that the association will ensure transparency and proper utilisation of the financial support while closely monitoring the medical process to guarantee timely care for the musician.

    The association urged stakeholders in the entertainment industry and the public to keep Daddy Fresh in their prayers for a quick and full recovery.

  • Group urges federal govt intervention in OLUSCO–PMAN land dispute

    Group urges federal govt intervention in OLUSCO–PMAN land dispute

    …protesters storm disputed site

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen have been called upon to intervene in the land dispute between OLUSCO Group and the Performing Musician Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) to prevent further escalation.

    Protesters gathered at the disputed site, appealing to national leaders to direct the Inspector General of Police to review the presence of security personnel on the land in question.

    Addressing journalists during the protest, Executive Director of Civil Right Advocacy, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, alongside Innocent Ohalete, highlighted the impact the dispute has had on OLUSCO Group and called for a fair resolution.

    In a petition submitted to the Police Headquarters in Abuja, the group urged President Tinubu to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the incident at the site and ensure justice for those affected.

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    The petition also requested federal intervention to restore peace, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the corporate identity of OLUSCO Group.

    Explaining the origin of the conflict, Civil Right Advocacy noted that OLUSCO Group and PMAN had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning the parcel of land near City Gate, beside the House on the Rock church. 

    The group noted that the arrangement granted OLUSCO Group rights to the land under a joint venture agreement, but disagreements later arose, leading to the current dispute.

  • PMAN clarifies status of Olusco joint venture

    PMAN clarifies status of Olusco joint venture

    The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has clarified that its joint venture (JV) with Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd has not been terminated, contrary to recent reports.

    In a statement issued by its National Executive Council (NEC) under the leadership of Chief Fruitful Mekwunye, PMAN noted that only the recognized leadership has the authority to make pronouncements on the association’s contractual agreements and partnerships.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC wishes to clarify that no termination of the JV has been effected by PMAN. Any report suggesting otherwise does not represent the official position of the Association,” the statement read.

    Read Also: PMAN president Pretty Okafor cleared of all allegations

    According to PMAN, the status of the JV with Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd is currently under review, following resolutions passed at a recent NEC meeting. The association also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Olusco to address a dispute between the company and its partner, which is currently before a court of law.

    The association emphasized that no individual outside of its present NEC leadership is empowered to determine, alter, or announce decisions regarding PMAN’s properties, contracts, or joint ventures.

    PMAN urged the public, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to rely only on communications from its NEC, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting members’ interests, resolving disputes lawfully, and cooperating with relevant authorities.

  • PMAN president Pretty Okafor cleared of all allegations

    PMAN president Pretty Okafor cleared of all allegations

    The president of the Performing Musicians Employers; Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, has been cleared of all allegations following the release of the final police investigation report.

    The report confirms that Okafor did not engage in any  financial misconduct, forgery or breach of the PMAN constitution.

    Earlier in 2024, certain members of the then National Working Committee (NWC) issued him a query and subsequently suspended Okafor indefinitely as the PMAN President over financial misconduct and other offences.

    However the action was deemed unconstitutional as only the National Executive Council (NEC) through a duly appointed Disciplinary Committee can take such actions after a fair hearing. The NWC appointed Sunny Neji to act as president.

    In a swift reaction, the NEC reversed the suspension and suspended those involved in the act.

    Making more clarification about the crisis, Okafor at a media parley in Lagos said: “This press conference is to set the record straight, clear the fog of misinformation and present the truth  backed by the highest investigative authority in our country – the Nigeria Police Force. Let me state this in the strongest terms possible, there was never any financial misconduct. There was never any forgery. There was no breach of the PMAN constitution on my part. Today we release the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Nigeria Police Investigation Report which clears me and confirms that every action taken by NEC under my leadership was constitutional, just and lawful.”

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    With copies of the investigative report made available to journalists, he further revealed that the true motive behind the crisis is not about selfless service to the union but the selfish ambition of a few who seek to illegally gain control of PMAN’s assets and deplete its growing resources.

    He added that it was because of the Abuja Monaco Project which he initiated to raise PMAN’s national and global profile that attracted internal enmity.

    The singer also accused some dismissed and suspended members of PMAN of procuring a fraudulent consent judgement. Okafor informed that since Sunny Neji, Zakky Adzay and Michael Stephen (Ruggedman) have vacated their positions, these vacancies will be filled in acting capacity pursuant to Article11 (M), pending a special national delegates conference to be convened soon.

    Reeling out his achievement of acquiring a befitting PMAN edifice and investing in state –of-the-art radio equipment to launch PMAN FM radio, Okafor gave more assurance of taking PMAN to greater heights. He said: “We are standing strong. We will rebuild. And we will pursue all legal avenues, civil and criminal, to bring every imposter, saboteur and sponsor of this evil agenda to justice.”

  • Pretty Okafor reaffirms commitment to PMAN’s growth

    Pretty Okafor reaffirms commitment to PMAN’s growth

    To address ongoing internal conflicts within PMAN’s leadership, and chart a path toward resolution and sustainable growth for the union, a meeting was held between the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Registrar of Trade Unions, Mr. Folonipe Amos.

    Held at the Registrar’s office in Abuja, the Registrar, who expressed disappointment that not all parties honoured the invitation to the meeting, emphasised that the goal of the meeting was to interpret the union’s constitution and ensure that all actions taken by the leadership are in line with the rules governing the association.

    PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, provided a comprehensive account of events leading to the current dispute, highlighting his efforts to maintain peace within the union despite internal challenges.

     He noted that despite their disagreements, he has remained committed to ensuring that PMAN’s core projects, including the PMAN House, PMAN Radio Station, and development of PMAN’s land in Abuja, continue without interruption.

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    Okafor further revealed that he had personally facilitated the acquisition of radio station equipment and secured international deals to advance PMAN’s interests. However, these efforts were met with opposition from some members of the NWC, leading to tensions that escalated into attempts to unseat him while he was abroad on official duties.

    The Registrar reiterated that the NWC is accountable to the National Executive Council (NEC) and that the NEC, as the union’s second-highest decision- making body, has the power to override the NWC’s decisions.

    He encouraged all parties to work within the framework of the PMAN constitution and assured them that disputes of this nature are to be handled by the Trade Union Dispute Act.

    Okafor expressed his vision for a more unified and resourceful PMAN.

  • Mohbad: Royalty issues would have been resolved if late singer was our member – PMAN

    Mohbad: Royalty issues would have been resolved if late singer was our member – PMAN

    The president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, has said if the late musician, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba popularly known as Mohbad, was its member, the controversies on issues of royalties with his former record label, Marlian Records would have been amicably resolved.

    He said this when he appeared before a House of Representatives panel probing Mohbad’s death, particularly the allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties.

    Okafor regretted that the new crop of musicians had failed to see the need to join PMAN, which he said had numerous benefits for them, including resolving contractual issues between musicians and record labels.

    He encouraged musicians, especially the younger ones, to become active members of the association, which he said was a trade union.

    He said: “We engage the Music Managers Association of Nigeria. We engage the record label association of Nigeria and we also engage the artists. That is why it is difficult to manage the crisis that erupted now. Some of them believe that PMAN is archaic. Some of them believe that it is only for old people. For some of them, the record labels manipulate their psyche not to make them stay under the authority of PMAN which is why this kind of crisis emerged.

    “So if we reach out to the record label association they will need to reach out to their artists. They must be a member of PMAN so that we can protect their interests and also protect the interest of the record label owners because they are supposed to get certification from PMAN.

    “The structure has been that the record label association and record label owners must be registered members of the union so that they can be monitored and guided. Same with the musicians. Also, the music managers are supposed to be part.

    “We have a lot of people under PMAN including Tuface, MI, Banky, and so on. They all belong to the association. But the younger ones maybe their managers and record labels were not passing positive messages to them and that is why it was difficult for them to join the union.

    “So when the crisis started I personally wanted to interfere but I could not …. That is the main reason for being a PMAN member. Because of contractual issues. PMAN like I said the record labels are also registered certified carriers of PMAN certificate to operate the record label. Then the artists are members. So the burden is on PMAN to now call the record labels to the table and call the artist and his management to the table and address it. Because we have a legal team, they handle that.”

    Read Also: Tonto Dikeh promises late MohBad justice

    Also speaking the late Mohbad’s lawyer said before his client died, he had some arrangements with Marlian Records which are still the subject of dispute today.

    He said: “Mohbad and the Marlian Records had some arrangements which I cannot term as a record label agreement yet and this is subject to litigation currently. While he worked with them in some sense he released an Extended Play (EP) and a number of singles. Now those songs are subject to litigation which he was in court for prior to his demise. Subsequently sometime in October last year, he set up his own label, Imolenization Limited, and he released an EP which he received the revenue for directly to himself because he was the sole owner of the company. So on the EP which is called blessed, it is fully secure.

    “What we have been trying to retrieve prior to his demise and currently are the EP and singles. Those are still being controlled by the Marlian records and distributed through their distributors. That is what we have been in court trying to resolve until now, up until his demise and we are still in court for that.”

    The chairman of the committee, Olumide Osoba, said they were committed to ensuring issues pertaining to the late musician’s royalties and entitlements are resolved.

  • Pretty Okafor, Ara promise good tidings after PMAN election

    Pretty Okafor, Ara promise good tidings after PMAN election

    Following the National Convention of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor has been unanimously re-elected to serve another term as the president.

    The well-attended event, which was held at the Nigerian Music House, Lekki, Lagos, witnessed the gathering of major stakeholders in the industry, from across the federation.

    Other members of the newly- elected executive are Sunny Neji as 1st vice president; Zaaki Adzay -2nd vice president; Baba J.F.O- Treasurer; Michael Stevens (Ruggedman) chairman, Media Committee ex officio; Boniface Itodo –(Aitabonny) General Secretary and Fada Bem Paul (Bempee) Assistant General Secretary.

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    Another highlight of the event with the theme: Ensuring an inclusive PMAN National Election Process, was the swearing–in of the first female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa as Governor of PMAN, Lagos State.

    Ara, who said she had many plans for the upliftment of PMAN, especially in Lagos, promised to create awareness on the purpose of PMAN for the Gen Z generation.

  • PMAN Plateau chapter gets new officers

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in a bid to get its bearings on track, has appointed Comrade Humphrey Iroegbu as the Interim PMAN governor, Plateau State chapter to pilot the affairs of the union pending when an election will be conducted.

    Those appointed include Humphrey Iroegbu (Interim Governor), Echeooja Linda Bella (1st vice Governor), Nathaniel Ndam (2nd vice Governor), Sir Chris Isibor (State Secretary), Nandi Christopher (Asst. Secretary), Deshe Christopher H. (Treasurer), Terpase Naswem (Financial Secretary), Brains Michael .I. (Welfare Officer), Gold Owen (Welfare Officer 2), IMB Kallamu (Public Relation Officer), Usman Danjuma Daniel (Public Relation Officer 2) and Chika Obioha (Provost).

    Others are Victor Daniel (Head of Projects), Sani Ibrahim Yahaya (Head of Projects 2), Paul Ondoma (Head of Production), Jerry Ejembi (Head of Task Force), Emmanuel Ekene Okoye (Head of Task Force 2), Joseph Ezekiel (Head of Discipline), Edwin James (Head of Discipline 2) and Barr. Bryne S. D. Ekara (Head, Legal team).

    In a press release, the new officers resolved to organise shows, protect the rights of artistes in case of any infringement, ensure the songs of local artistes are promoted on the airwaves and to encourage artistes’ unity in Plateau State.

    “PMAN has envisioned a future for Plateau entertainment and is determined to make sacrifice to bring it to life,” the press release signed by Comr. Humphrey Iroegbu (PMAN Governor Plateau State) and  Comr. Sir Chris Isibor (State Secretary) stated.

    “This will regulate and generate revenue for the government and guarantee a return for those who invest in entertainment, provides visible and concrete job opportunity for the teaming youths and boost the state economy.”

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    It also sounded a warning to brands and companies intending to work with Plateau State artistes.

    “All music brands and companies on the Plateau are to note that the official consent of the Union have to be sought and obtained before they can negotiate, endorse or sign any artiste. The performing artistes are therefore called upon to report any infringement, maltreatment or harassment faced in the course of their engagement with any music brand or company for appropriate measures to be taken.”

    The Union thanked the past administration of PMAN Plateau State Chapter under the leadership of Amb. Sahmicit Solomon (a.k.a Saksolo) who is now the PMAN Northern Coordinator. And for standing by it through trying times, the union thanked Dr. Panam Percy Paul, Dorcas Bentu, Alhaji Salis Mohammed, Late Dan Mariya Jos, Mrs Jane Okeahialam and Dan Tala Dewan. Others are  Mr. Daps, Jah Device, Mr. Simon Asemoh, Bobby Hai, Adudeme, Mr. Dan Mallum (DBMC), Amb. Chief Sigha Ebide and Mr. Lorny John.

  • PMAN ‘first organisation to endorse MKO’s candidacy’

    Going back to 1993, PMAN as a body, though not particularly associated with any political party, supported Abiola’s aspiration. How did this play out?

    In 1993, I was president of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), and PMAN was the first organisation to endorse Abiola’s candidacy for the presidency. And I think that the fact that we did that gave inspiration to a lot of other organisations to do so. And the reasons were manifold. First of all, a lot of people didn’t know, he had started life as a musician, even though he branched out. And he identified with our cause over and over again.

    And we also thought that he was a nationalist to the core and represented what we looked out for in a leader. He was a Yoruba Muslim but he identified with Christians everywhere. He identified with Nigerian people wherever they came from, completely detribalised. And we thought that was the first time for us, if we had to grow as a nation. So, we came out forcefully to endorse his candidature and then we asked musicians across the country to support his electioneering campaign wherever he went without charging any money. So, whichever state, whichever part of the country Abiola went to campaign, the musicians of Nigeria were there available for him.

    When the elections came, we had no doubts in our mind that he was going to win. And when the results started coming, in fact, I used to spend quite a lot of time at the Hope 93 campaign headquarters in Opebi (Lagos). When the election result was cancelled, I felt something crazy had happened. I, in fact, personally went to court against the government at that time for cancelling the June 12 elections.

    I don’t know if you recall that on June 12, 2017 we had a major June 12 Lecture at COSON House in Ikeja here, attended by Nigeria’s glitterati. Dele Momodu delivered the June 12 Lecture and we had practically all the major publishers in the country at COSON House. It was the first event we held in COSON House after the commissioning because we keep the flame of June 12 burning.

    I write a column every Saturday and this Saturday, I wrote an article titled ‘The June 12 That Will Never Die’ because in my mind, I believe that June 12 represents everything that we have thought as a nation in Nigeria. And those who try to kill June 12 will find out that ultimately, June 12 will never die. It can’t and would not.