From TCNEWS
The Abia State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has approached the Federal High Court in Umuahia, seeking a legal determination on the tenure status of the Guild’s National President, Emeka Rollas.
This move comes amid internal tensions surrounding leadership recognition and constitutional authority within the guild.
The Abia chapter is questioning the legitimacy of Rollas’ continued leadership, citing a 2015 Federal High Court judgment in Lagos which dissolved the Board of Trustees (BoT) responsible for his initial appointment.
They argue that, without a legally recognized BoT, the presidency lacks foundational validity.
This leadership dispute highlights deeper governance challenges within the Actors Guild of Nigeria, raising important questions about constitutional oversight, the enforcement of judicial decisions, and democratic representation in professional bodies.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Umuahia, AGN Abia State Special Projects Coordinator, Nwoko Nathaniel Udochika, and the chapter’s Chief Whip and Public Relations Officer, Emeka Onyekwere, alleged that Rollas bypassed due process by installing Doris Ogala as the state chairperson—despite the chapter’s democratic election of Amalaha David Onyebuchi on May 20, 2023.“We have no record of Doris Ogala as a registered member of the Abia chapter,” Udochika said. “Rollas’ action undermines our democratic process and the rule of law within the guild.”According to the officials, Rollas has appointed multiple individuals to head the Abia chapter since the legal challenge began. However, they claimed many of those appointees either declined the role or later stepped away, reportedly uncomfortable with the circumstances surrounding their appointment.The chapter is also calling on security agencies to prevent the planned commissioning of the AGN Abia headquarters pending the outcome of the ongoing litigation. They contend that allowing such an event would send a message of legitimacy to actions currently under judicial review.Furthermore, the chapter expressed concern over what they described as unauthorized membership registration being initiated under Rollas’ directive. They urged the public and industry stakeholders to remain vigilant until the court clarifies the leadership issue. The outcome could set a precedent for guilds and unions across Nigeria, reinforcing or reshaping how leadership is structured and challenged within the entertainment industry.
