The Federal Government has formally reaffirmed Pretty Okafor as the legitimate National President of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria, PMAN, marking a decisive stance in the ongoing leadership crisis that has rocked the musicians’ union for months.
In an official letter dated May 5, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment recognized the outcome of PMAN’s National Delegates Conference held on October 24, 2023, at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, where Okafor and other executives were duly elected.
The Ministry also acknowledged the association’s headquarters at its Lekki Secretariat, solidifying the government’s support for constitutional order within the organization.
The Ministry’s position followed extensive investigations by the Nigeria Police Force, which cleared Okafor of all allegations ranging from forgery to financial misconduct.
At a press conference held Wednesday in Lagos, Okafor unveiled the Police Investigation Report, describing it as a victory for transparency, rule of law, and the integrity of unions operating under government charters.
The Police Report revealed that all actions taken to suspend Okafor while he was on official duty in Spain were illegal and violated PMAN’s constitution. More troubling were findings of a forged court order used to freeze the president’s personal bank accounts—an act traced to a rogue police officer and a dismissed court clerk in Niger State.
The report also discredited a fraudulent consent judgment (Suit No. NICN/LA/360/2024) orchestrated outside Lagos, which sought to give legal cover to the coup plotters. Okafor has since initiated legal proceedings to quash the judgment and press charges against all conspirators.
The Ministry of Labour’s intervention is being widely seen as a necessary assertion of federal oversight over trade unions and professional associations, particularly those with national coverage and economic significance.
Speaking at the press conference, Okafor noted that: “The Federal Government’s recognition reaffirms the rule of law. It’s not just a win for me, it’s a win for every Nigerian musician who believes in structure, progress, and due process.”
Sources within the Ministry confirmed that the government is committed to preventing the hijack of legitimate institutions by internal saboteurs or external interests, especially where millions of naira in investments and member contributions are at stake.
The leadership tussle, according to Okafor, was largely fueled by attempts to seize control of PMAN’s growing portfolio of assets. Under his administration, the association has made unprecedented gains, including, acquisition of a National Secretariat, the Launch of PMAN FM, a digital broadcast platform and the commencement of the Abuja Monaco Project, a major property development
Investigations into the Monaco Project revealed that its former managers, Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd, unlawfully collected over ₦350 million from subscribers without delivering on project milestones. These findings have prompted the NEC to place PMAN’s assets under a government-regulated Asset Management Company.
The Federal Government’s recognition of Okafor is expected to calm tensions and signal a path forward for the embattled association. PMAN’s National Executive Council has also removed members involved in the illegal attempts to take over the union and is currently restructuring operations to protect member interests.
“We will work hand-in-hand with the government, regulatory bodies, and musicians to reposition PMAN as a model for union leadership in Nigeria,” Okafor said.