The once-revered Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is now at the center of a storm as aggrieved members take to the national forum with the hashtag #TakeBackAGN to voice their frustrations.
What started as whispers of dissatisfaction has now erupted into a nationwide call for accountability and an end to what many describe as tyrannical and dictatorial leadership.
At the heart of the controversy lies the imposition of caretaker committees—a practice that has been labeled as secretive. Most recently, the appointment of Ehumadu as the Chairman of the Abia Interim Caretaker Committee has further fueled unrest, with critics claiming this is part of a broader trend to silence the voices of members across various chapters.
Lagos State Chapter Speaks Out
The AGN Lagos State Chapter, a cornerstone of the Nigerian entertainment industry, has reached its breaking point. Members have expressed dismay at the lack of autonomy and transparency, pointing fingers at the national leadership for sidelining their collective voice.
In a bold statement, Lagos Chapter members have declared:
“For too long, our chapter has been left stagnant, with no clear direction or leadership to champion the welfare and interests of our members. The imposition of caretaker committees has stripped us of our autonomy and eroded the trust we once had in the system. Enough is enough.”
This sentiment is echoed by other chapters, raising questions about the motivations behind these caretaker appointments.
Key Concerns Raised by Members
- Abuse of Caretaker Committees: Once a temporary solution, the use of caretaker committees is now being seen as a means to consolidate power and stifle dissent.
- Lack of Transparency: Members are demanding answers regarding the screening committee’s report, which has seemingly disappeared without explanation.
- Erosion of Trust: The continued silence from AGN’s leadership is viewed as a direct affront to the membership, undermining faith in the system.
- Release of the Panel Report: Members are calling for the immediate publication of the report headed by Barr. Kingsley Ogbonna, which remains shrouded in secrecy despite its critical role in resolving these disputes.
A Call to Action
The Lagos Chapter is not mincing words in its demands. Members are calling for:
The reinstatement of their autonomy.
The immediate dissolution of imposed caretaker committees.
The right to elect their leaders democratically.
The Way Forward
This is not just a Lagos or Abia State issue—this is a call for a systemic overhaul of the AGN’s leadership culture. The members’ cries are loud and clear: they want their guild back.
As #TakeBackAGN continues to trend, all eyes are on the national leadership of the AGN. Will they heed the cries of their members, or will they continue to hold their ground? One thing is certain: the unity and resilience of the guild’s members cannot be underestimated.
Stay tuned as this story develops.
