The National Executive Council of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the suspension of its President, Pretty Okafor, and named Sydney Sparrow as Acting National President.
The development was made public in a statement signed by PMAN’s National Treasurer, Baba Ojonugwa, and shared with journalists in Owerri on Friday.
Ojonugwa said Sparrow’s nomination followed an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on December 25, to address serious governance and constitutional concerns within PMAN.
Ojonugwa stated: “The decision was reached at an emergency NEC meeting convened on the night of Dec. 25, 2025, to address serious governance and constitutional concerns affecting the Association.”
He added: “Acting in line with the powers vested in it by the PMAN Constitution, the NEC resolved to suspend the President pending the outcome of a full investigation and disciplinary process.”
According to the statement, the NEC’s actions were informed by a number of alleged violations, including repeated breaches of constitutional provisions, abuse of office, disregard for due process, and conduct described as harmful to the welfare, credibility, and integrity of the association.
The council also resolved to void all unilateral appointments made by the suspended leadership, reinstate the National Treasurer, and commence a forensic audit of PMAN’s accounts and joint venture agreements.
He said: “In the meantime, Sydney Sparrow, PMAN Governor, FCT, has been nominated as the Acting National President of PMAN National.”
Ojonugwa reassured members across the country that the NEC’s actions were corrective rather than punitive, and stressed the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the collective interests of Nigerian musicians.
Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, also known as PMAN, is a national body founded in 1984 to represent the interests of Nigerian musicians and promote the music profession. It operates through state chapters and a National Executive Council composed of governors from across the country.
The suspension of Okafor comes amid ongoing internal disagreements within the association. Earlier disputes last year saw a police report clear Okafor of alleged financial misconduct after internal actions against him and other officials created divisions among members.
PMAN members and stakeholders are now awaiting the outcome of the disciplinary process outlined by the NEC and the results of the planned audit.
