Taye Arimoro threatens N1bn lawsuit following suspension by Nollywood guilds

Taye Arimoro Threatens N1bn Lawsuit Following Suspension by Nollywood Guilds

Nollywood actor Taye Arimoro has threatened to drag three major Nollywood guilds — the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) — to court in a ₦1 billion lawsuit for defamation and damages if they fail to retract his indefinite suspension within 24 hours.

The suspension, announced after a joint investigation by the guilds, bars filmmakers across Nigeria from working with Arimoro. He was also directed to issue a public apology over his clash with actress and producer Peggy Ovire on a movie set — an incident that has since exploded into a major industry scandal.

What Sparked the Crisis

The controversy began when Arimoro appeared in a live video shortly after the altercation, narrating his version of events. Ovire and members of her production crew swiftly refuted his claims, alleging that the actor became aggressive on set and physically assaulted two crew workers who insisted he complete his scenes before leaving.

Following their investigation, the guilds jointly named Arimoro as the aggressor and accused him of publishing a misleading video aimed at damaging Ovire’s public image, leading to his suspension.

“Unlawful Interference,” Actor’s Lawyers Claim

In a strongly worded demand letter issued on his behalf, Arimoro’s legal team condemned the decision as illegal, saying the guilds lacked both authority and due process.

“The purported industry-wide suspension imposed on our client, the ban on filmmakers from working with him, and compulsory directives to practitioners are blatant and malicious attempts to ruin our client’s professional career,” the lawyers wrote.

They further described the guilds’ actions as:

• Unlawful interference
• Reputational damage
• Actionable economic sabotage

A key point in Arimoro’s defense is that he is not a registered member of the guilds involved, meaning they cannot legally suspend him. His lawyers also argue he was denied a fair hearing and that the investigation was one-sided.

CCTV Footage Raises New Questions

Emerging reports suggest that alleged CCTV footage from the film location contradicts parts of the guilds’ claims. The clip purportedly shows Peggy Ovire approaching Arimoro, removing her wig and striking him first — a development that could shift public perception and influence any potential legal proceedings.

Neither Ovire nor the guilds have yet publicly addressed the footage claims.

What Happens Next?

Industry watchers say the guilds’ response within the 24-hour window could determine whether this dispute escalates into a prolonged legal battle that tests governance and disciplinary authority within Nollywood.

Meanwhile, the situation has triggered intense reactions on social media, with fans and practitioners split over who bears responsibility for the escalating feud.

As stakeholders await the guilds’ next move, one thing remains clear: this case is shaping up to be a watershed moment for Nollywood’s power dynamics, accountability, and conflict resolution structures.