AGN Condemns Violence on Movie Set as Peggy Ovire–Taye Arimoro Clash Sparks Outrage
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has strongly condemned the physical altercation between producer-actress Peggy Ovire and actor Taye Arimoro, following a viral incident that has stirred widespread debate across the Nigerian film industry.
In a statement signed by its National President, Emeka Rollas, the guild expressed “deep concern” over a circulating video and voice note allegedly showing an actor being “brutally assaulted” by a producer and members of her crew during a film shoot in Lagos.
The confrontation reportedly occurred during a late-night production session when Arimoro attempted to leave after his contracted hours ended around midnight. According to his account, shared during an Instagram Live session, Ovire’s team blocked his exit, deflated his tyres, and physically attacked him, resulting in injuries to his lips and gums.
Ovire, however, denied the allegations, alleging that Arimoro became aggressive first and assaulted her production manager and driver after being asked to complete “just two more scenes.” She claimed one of her crew members sustained bleeding from the ear.
The dispute intensified on November 13 after low-quality CCTV footage surfaced online, appearing to show Ovire and her crew surrounding Arimoro’s vehicle in a heated confrontation with visible physical contact. While the visuals do not conclusively reveal who initiated the violence, they have heightened public outrage.
Responding to the controversy, the AGN stated:
“As an association of professional performers, the AGN unequivocally condemns the inhumane and degrading treatment meted out to the actor. No actor, under any circumstances, should be subjected to physical assault, intimidation, or any form of abuse in the course of professional engagement.”
The guild urged film practitioners to adopt lawful and professional methods of conflict resolution, stressing that disputes on set must be handled with decorum and respect rather than “violence or self-help.”
It also announced that the AGN National Task Force has begun a full investigation into the incident and called on the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) to identify the producer involved and take disciplinary action in line with industry standards.
“The Actors Guild of Nigeria remains committed to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all actors and will continue working with sister associations to uphold professionalism in the industry,” the statement added.
As of press time, neither Ovire nor Arimoro has issued a public apology, and investigations by the guild are still ongoing.
