AGN crisis latest Emeka Ike totally in control?

AUSTIN FAIR NWAULU

Indications that the Emeka Ike-led faction of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the largest arm of Nigeria’s Nollywood, seems to be having the upper hand -since the court ruling that ‘sacked’ the Ibinabo Fiberisima-led national body- have emerged.

Although the seasoned actor and one of the pioneers of Nollywood has been doing his own thing with some loyal members even before the court’s interpretation of the lingering feud over who is the authentic leader, it took a different dimension last Saturday when he was severally introduced and addressed as the AGN President at a public function.

This happened at the Afro Turf of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where a novelty match, organized by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), took place.

The football encounter which was like a war between the entertainers and select media practitioners, saw Emeka Ike also on the field of play with his factional members on ground to join the bandwagon and cheer him up.

The AGN under Ibinabo, had, after the judgement that accorded legitimacy to the faction under reference, appealed same which is still pending and which means that she is still a bona fide boss of the guild.

However, some of the members loyal to Mr Ike who preferred to speak under the condition of anonymity, maintained that he is the authentic boss of the guild. ”We are aware of the appeal and we are waiting for it.

But that does not debar us from doing things accordingly,” they enthused and refused to offer more explanations.

After the thrilling encounter, Emeka who was substituted along the line, spoke in his capacity as the AGN boss and stated that the get-together was a sign of good things to come for all progressive bodies. ”We will continue to do our best to the benefit of all our members and the country at large.”

The Guild has been embroiled in leadership tussle right from the days of Ejike Asiegbu and Segun Arinze and spilled over to Ibinabo who is currently serving her second term in office.

Since the inception of the new administration at the national, the woman’s camp which was highly fired up and favoured by the previous regime, appears to be on the quiet side, and this is apparently what is giving enough impetus to the other faction.

Emeka and his men are more visible everywhere these days.