The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) finds itself embroiled in internal conflict as a legal battle challenges the legitimacy of the current national leadership. David Amalaha, a member of the Abia State chapter, has filed a lawsuit against Emeka Rollas, the national president, and his executive team, contesting their authority and demanding financial accountability. The suit alleges that Rollas’s presidency is invalid due to the expiration of the Board of Trustees (BoT) that appointed him, a matter previously adjudicated by the Federal High Court in Lagos in 2015. Amalaha’s legal action further demands the return of funds allegedly withdrawn from the AGN’s accounts since 2019 or payment of N50 million in damages.
The core of the dispute stems from a disagreement over the legitimacy of the AGN’s Abia State chapter leadership. Amalaha and his team claim to have been duly elected, while Rollas disputes this, asserting their ascension to power was irregular and did not adhere to established procedures. This disagreement has led to escalating tensions and multiple court cases, significantly impacting the functionality of the Abia State chapter. Nwoko Nathaniel Udo-Chika, the AGN Project Director in Abia State, supports Amalaha’s claims, accusing Rollas of undermining the elected state leadership and appointing his own loyalists, further fueling the internal discord.
Amalaha’s argument rests primarily on the 2015 court ruling that declared the tenure of the previous BoT, which appointed Rollas, to have expired. He contends that any actions taken by a BoT deemed invalid by the court are consequently null and void, thereby rendering Rollas’s presidency illegitimate. This point is further emphasized by the claim that the individuals who originally appointed Rollas were not even registered members of the AGN. Amalaha’s lawsuit effectively seeks clarification from the court on the implications of the 2015 judgment for Rollas’s continued leadership of the AGN.
The allegations against Rollas extend beyond the question of his initial appointment. Amalaha’s suit alleges a disregard for the established constitution of the AGN, citing Rollas’s registration of new members and suspension of others without due process. This accusation suggests a pattern of behavior that disregards the established rules and norms of the organization, potentially for personal gain or to consolidate power. The alleged attempt to amend the constitution, met with resistance from within the guild, reinforces this narrative of an executive exceeding its authority and acting outside established protocols.
Rollas, in response to the lawsuit, acknowledges its existence and states that his legal team is handling the matter. He dismisses Amalaha and his supporters as illegitimate leaders who gained power through improper channels. Furthermore, Rollas claims that the 2015 judgment regarding the BoT has already been addressed, with the BoT dissolved and reconstituted. This assertion implies that the basis of Amalaha’s argument is moot, as the issues it raised have already been resolved. Rollas maintains that the Abia State chapter’s legal actions are a form of retaliation for the national body’s refusal to recognize their leadership, which he contends was improperly obtained.
This ongoing legal battle underscores the deep divisions within the Actors Guild of Nigeria. The dispute not only concerns the legitimacy of the current leadership but also highlights fundamental questions about adherence to constitutional processes, proper financial management, and the balance of power between the national body and its state chapters. The outcome of the lawsuit will have significant implications for the future of the AGN, potentially leading to leadership changes, financial audits, and a renewed focus on internal governance and adherence to established procedures. Moreover, the case may serve as a precedent for other professional guilds or organizations facing similar internal power struggles and disputes over constitutional interpretation.
