Taye Arimoro Reacts to AGN Suspension Amid On-Set Assault Allegations: Vows to Fight Back
In a dramatic turn of events in Nollywood, Taye Arimoro has responded forcefully to his indefinite suspension by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), insisting the guild’s statement is “inaccurate” — and vowing to challenge the ruling legally.
The suspension stems from a highly publicised altercation on the set of the movie Pieces of Love, involving actress-producer Peggy Ovire. According to the guilds, the disciplinary committees of AGN, along with Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and Association of Movie Producers (AMP), found Arimoro to be the “main instigator.”
Arimoro’s version differs sharply: he claims the trouble began after his call-time had ended, and that when he tried to leave the set, Ovire and members of her team allegedly blocked his vehicle and physically assaulted him. He also alleged that his tyres were deflated, leaving him stranded with visible injuries to his gums and lips.
Following the altercation, Arimoro’s legal team issued a demand for ₦100 million in damages from Peggy Ovire as well as a public apology citing violations of his rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement under the constitution.
In response, Peggy Ovire denied all allegations, claiming Arimoro was the aggressor. Her legal team described his claims as “misleading, selective, and materially false,” and accused him of assaulting crew members first. According to them, eyewitnesses and police statements support her side of the story.
The controversy has reignited conversations about on-set safety, professional conduct, and the working conditions of actors and crew in Nollywood. The AGN while enforcing its zero-tolerance policy on violence has also called on all film professionals to resolve conflicts through proper channels rather than resorting to physical altercations.
As investigations by the guild and law enforcement continue, many stakeholders await the final report — while tensions remain high and the future of the production hangs in the balance.
