Nollywood actor Taye Arimoro has strongly condemned his recent suspension. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) had jointly announced the suspension. This action followed an alleged on-set clash involving actress and producer Peggy Ovire during the filming of ‘Pieces of Love’.
Arimoro has firmly rejected the guilds’ decision. He insists that he is not a member of any of the three bodies. Therefore, he argues, their suspension holds no legal standing or authority over him.
The actor has issued an ultimatum. He demands an immediate withdrawal of the suspension. Furthermore, he seeks a written apology and a public statement from the guilds. Arimoro warned that he would file a ₦1 billion lawsuit if his requests are not fulfilled within 24 hours.
The On-Set Dispute
The dispute originated from an incident that occurred on November 11 during the movie’s production. Arimoro recounted his version of events. He stated that after completing his scenes, Peggy Ovire prevented him from leaving the set. She reportedly insisted he remain for additional work.
Arimoro claims he was held against his will. He alleged that Peggy’s team assaulted him. This experience, he said, left him with physical injuries, significant stress, and a broken tooth.
However, Peggy Ovire has vehemently denied these accusations. Her legal representatives stated that Arimoro initiated the altercation. They claimed he physically assaulted the production manager and her driver. Her lawyers described Arimoro’s narrative as false and an attempt to mislead the public.
Guilds’ Verdict and Arimoro’s Reaction
Following a thorough investigation, the three guilds concluded their findings. They determined that Taye Arimoro was responsible for instigating the trouble. Consequently, they placed him on an indefinite suspension. The guilds also directed Peggy Ovire to issue an apology for allowing the conflict to escalate beyond the film set.
Despite the guilds’ ruling, Arimoro remains steadfast in his position. His threat of a massive lawsuit highlights the escalating tensions within the Nollywood community regarding this incident.