Actor Taye Arimoro has hit back at the suspension imposed on him by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), and Association of Movie Producers (AMP), threatening to sue for N1 billion if the sanctions are not rescinded within 24 hours.
In a letter posted on Instagram on Tuesday by his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, Taye argued that the guilds misidentified him as “Taiye Ayimoro” instead of “Taye Arimoro” and stressed that he is not a member of any of the three organisations, making the suspension invalid.
“The sanctions are procedurally improper, legally indefensible, and constitutionally void,” the letter read. It demanded an immediate retraction, a written apology, and public dissemination of the apology, warning that legal action seeking damages of one billion naira would follow if the guilds fail to comply.
The suspension arose from a reported incident on November 11 during the filming of Pieces of Love. Taye claimed that after his call time expired, actress and producer Peggy Ovire allegedly blocked his vehicle, insisting he remain for additional scenes. He said he was detained and assaulted by Peggy and her team, describing the treatment as “unlawful, inhuman, and degrading,” citing emotional trauma, psychological distress, injuries to his lips, and a damaged front tooth.
Peggy, through her lawyers, denied Taye’s version of events, alleging that he was the aggressor who punched the production manager and her driver. They described his account as “misleading, selective, and materially false.”
After investigations, the guilds concluded that Taye was the main instigator of the altercation, suspending him indefinitely and demanding a public apology and corrective video. Peggy was also instructed to apologise for taking the matter outside the set.
