**Key Takeaways:**
– The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has accused the Ogun State government of imposing arbitrary fees and complex regulations.
– ANTP claims the government demands N20,000 for a day’s use of a cultural center’s canopy and N140,000 for a week.
– Bashir Sanni, the ANTP Chairman in Ogun State, highlighted these issues in a press release on March 12, 2024.
– The group argues that these fees contradict Section 613 of the laws governing theatrical performances in Nigeria, which advocate for governmental support, not financial burdens, on artists.
– The Ogun State government, represented by Commissioner Ṣẹsan Fagbayi, denies these allegations, stating the fees are for maintenance of public facilities and not against any law.
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The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has lodged a formal complaint against the Ogun State government, accusing it of enforcing outdated regulations and imposing exorbitant fees. According to ANTP, the state government is asking for N20,000 from artists for a single day’s use of a canopy at the cultural center designated for theatrical rehearsals. This was disclosed by Bashir Sanni, the ANTP Chairman in Ogun State, through a press statement released on March 12, 2024.
The association further explained that if they wish to use the canopy for a week, the cost skyrockets to N140,000. This fee is for the use of basic infrastructure at the cultural center located in Kutọ, Abeokuta, which they believe is unjust and a significant barrier to the promotion of arts and culture in the region.
ANTP has expressed its dissatisfaction, stating that this fee structure directly contradicts the Nigerian laws on theatrical performances. Specifically, they reference Section 613, which suggests that state governments should aid theatrical groups by reducing expenses, not by imposing hefty fees that could stifle the creative process.
The group also pointed out that this practice of charging exorbitant fees is unique to the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, as they have not encountered such financial demands from the Ogun State government in the past. In light of these events, ANTP in Ogun State is calling upon all stakeholders in the arts and culture sector to stand against these measures, which they believe are detrimental to the development of theater arts in Nigeria.
In response to these allegations, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Ṣẹsan Fagbayi, has refuted the claims made by ANTP. He argues that the accusations are baseless and harm the reputation of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration. According to Fagbayi, the fees collected are solely for the purpose of maintaining public facilities, including general restrooms and the rehearsal space itself, ensuring they remain in good condition for all users.
Fagbayi further emphasized that the government has not violated any laws related to theatrical performances and remains committed to supporting the arts and culture sectors. He criticized ANTP Ogun for not resolving their grievances directly with the government before taking their complaints public, suggesting that a more collaborative approach could have been beneficial.
In conclusion, the dispute between ANTP and the Ogun State government highlights the ongoing challenges faced by artists in Nigeria regarding access to public facilities and the financial burdens imposed by governmental regulations. The resolution of this conflict could set a precedent for how cultural policies are implemented and how artists engage with government authorities in the future.