Nollywood is on the brink of a major legal battle as actor Taye Arimoro has threatened to sue three of the industry’s most influential bodies: the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP).
Arimoro demands a public apology and retraction of his indefinite suspension within 24 hours, or he will proceed with a N1 billion lawsuit for defamation and damages.
The controversy stems from a chaotic incident on a movie set involving Arimoro and actress/filmmaker Peggy Ovire. Following the clash, Arimoro posted a live video sharing his perspective. However, Ovire and her team contested his account, alleging the actor became aggressive and physically assaulted two crew members.
The guilds intervened, conducting a joint investigation and declaring Arimoro the primary aggressor. They accused him of circulating a misleading video and imposed an indefinite suspension, ordering a public apology.
Arimoro’s legal team argues the suspension is an attempt to ruin his career, citing unlawful interference and reputational damage. His defense challenges the guilds’ authority, stating he is not a registered member and that the investigation lacked due process.
Supporting Arimoro’s claims is alleged CCTV footage of the incident, which reportedly complicates the guilds’ narrative, potentially showing Peggy Ovire initiating physical contact.
The lawsuit challenges the guilds’ power to regulate non-members and their investigative processes. The outcome of this legal battle could set a significant precedent for Nollywood’s governance.
