Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the suspension of its National President, Pretty Okafor, and the appointment of Sydney Sparrow as Acting National President, following an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC). The decision was confirmed in a statement issued on 25 December 2025 and officially released to journalists in Owerri on 26 December 2025.
According to PMAN’s National Treasurer, Baba Ojonugwa, the NEC convened the special meeting on the night of 25 December 2025 to address “serious governance and constitutional concerns” that have been affecting the association’s operations. Acting under powers granted by the PMAN Constitution, the council resolved to suspend Okafor pending the outcome of a full investigation and disciplinary process into various issues raised by members and executives within the body.
The NEC outlined several key concerns that informed its decision, including alleged repeated violations of constitutional provisions, alleged abuse of office, disregard for due process, and actions considered harmful to the welfare, credibility and integrity of the association.
In addition to Okafor’s suspension, the council took immediate steps to void all unilateral appointments previously made by his administration, reinstate the National Treasurer, and launch a forensic audit of PMAN’s financial accounts and joint venture agreements. These measures are intended to strengthen governance processes and ensure adherence to constitutional norms within the organisation.
In line with constitutional provisions, the NEC also nominated Sydney Sparrow, the PMAN Governor for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as Acting National President to oversee the association’s affairs during the disciplinary and investigative process. Sparrow’s appointment is expected to provide continuity in leadership while reforms and reviews are under way.
The leadership shake-up comes amid ongoing internal tensions within PMAN, which have previously surfaced in disputes over alleged financial misconduct, constitutional breaches and leadership disputes under Okafor’s tenure. The association, founded in 1984 to represent and promote the interests of Nigerian musicians, has faced intermittent governance crises in recent years, including earlier suspensions and internal disagreements among its executive committees.
In its statement, the NEC stressed that the suspension is corrective rather than punitive, and emphasised its commitment to transparency, accountability and the protection of Nigerian musicians’ interests nationwide. Members and stakeholders are now awaiting the outcome of the disciplinary process and the results of the forensic audit, which are expected to shape the future direction of PMAN leadership and governance.
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