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Peace returns to AGN Abia as rival factions reconcile, Unite

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After years of internal disagreements, competing leadership structures, suspensions, and prolonged legal battles, peace has finally returned to the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abia State Chapter.

The breakthrough was achieved during a high level reconciliation meeting convened on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at New Eastern Comfort Hotel, Umuahia. The meeting brought together the national leadership of the Guild, representatives of the Abia State Government, leaders of the previously divided factions, and key stakeholders from across the state.

The reconciliation meeting marks what many members described as a fresh beginning for the chapter, ending a leadership crisis that had persisted for several years.

The dispute had seen parallel leadership structures emerge, with one faction led by David Amalaha and another operating under successive interim and sole administrator appointments made by previous national administrations. The crisis resulted in suspensions, litigation, and a slowdown in the activities of the Guild within the state.

Following extensive deliberations, the National President, Mr. Abubakar Yakubu, announced a series of resolutions aimed at restoring lasting peace and rebuilding confidence among members.

One of the first decisions reached was the immediate lifting of all suspensions imposed on members during the crisis. This was followed by the dissolution of every interim, caretaker, and sole administrator appointment previously made by the National Executive for the Abia State Chapter.

In what became the defining outcome of the meeting, the national leadership constituted a one year Unity Government to harmonize the affairs of the chapter and prepare the ground for a credible democratic election.

The newly inaugurated executive is composed as follows:

Chairman: David Amalaha

Vice Chairman: Oluchi Ezeji

Secretary: Moira Mba

Financial Secretary: Esther Confidence Ukpai

Treasurer: Hon. Emeka Iheduru

Assistant Secretary: Ekechi Omeaku

Public Relations Officer: Elijah Kalu Nwoke

Director of Guild’s Services: Onu Ekwueme

Chief Whip: Chukwuemeka S. MC Real Onyekwere

In the spirit of fairness and inclusion, representatives from Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia Senatorial Zones nominated candidates for the positions allocated to their respective zones, ensuring that every major bloc within the chapter is represented in the new administration.

The meeting also resolved that all court cases arising from the leadership dispute should be withdrawn by the parties involved. Upon completion of the withdrawal process, both the National Executive Council of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the Abia State Government will be formally notified.

The Unity Government has been given a one year mandate to restore normal operations within the chapter, complete the ongoing membership screening exercise already taking place in other states, strengthen the Guild’s structures, and conduct a transparent and credible election at the expiration of its tenure.

Speaking during the meeting, members of the national leadership expressed confidence that the reconciliation would reposition the Abia State Chapter for greater productivity and renewed participation in Nigeria’s film industry. They noted that peace within the Guild would create an enabling environment for filmmakers, actors, producers, and other creative professionals to collaborate and attract new opportunities to the state.

The reconciliation meeting was attended by the National President, Abubakar Yakubu, National Secretary Ifeoma Okeke Ozzoude, Immediate Past National President Dr. Emeka Rollas Ejezie, Board of Trustees Chairman Emma Ogugua, South East Vice President Clement Anigbo, popularly known as AB Cowboy, Sole Administrator Emma Ehumadu, also known as Labista, veteran actor Steve Eboh, and several members of the Abia State Chapter of AGN.

The event was anchored by Kingsly Ogbonna, popularly known as Dauda.

Also present was the Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hon. Dr. Matthew C. Ekwuribe, whose presence underscored the commitment of the Abia State Government to supporting peace and institutional stability within the creative industry.

The successful reconciliation signals more than the end of a leadership dispute. It represents a renewed commitment to unity, professionalism, and collective progress. With former rivals now serving together under one executive, the responsibility shifts from resolving differences to rebuilding trust, strengthening the Guild, and creating opportunities that will benefit members across Abia State.

For the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abia State Chapter, a difficult chapter has closed. A new one has begun.