Nollywood is dealing with fresh tension after veteran actor Taye Arimoro challenged his suspension by three major industry guilds. The Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) suspended him after reports of an on-set clash with actress Peggy Ovire during the filming of Pieces of Love. However, Arimoro’s team insists the decision has no legal basis.
According to his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, the suspension is both unfair and invalid. He explained that the guilds acted without proper authority and went beyond their legal powers. He also said the action taken against Arimoro was “procedurally improper, legally indefensible, and constitutionally void.” Effiong added that Arimoro does not belong to any of the guilds involved. As the statement reads, “Our client is not a member of the DGN, AGN, or AMP. These three bodies lack jurisdiction to discipline or regulate him in any manner whatsoever.”
The legal notice also pointed to errors that, in their view, weaken the suspension. One of the major concerns was the misspelling of Arimoro’s name as “Taiye Ayimoro” in official documents. They argued that such mistakes make the suspension unreliable. The notice also said, “No association is empowered by law to exercise coercive or disciplinary powers over persons who are not its members or beneficiaries of its Constitution. Any sanction, directive, or instruction issued against our Client is therefore ultra vires and legally unenforceable.”
Taye Arimoro is demanding an immediate reversal of the suspension. He also wants a public apology from the guilds. In addition, his team warned that failure to comply will lead to a lawsuit. They stated, “Take notice that if DGN, AGN, and AMP fail, refuse, or neglect to comply… our Client has given us a standing instruction to immediately commence legal proceedings… seeking… ₦1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) in damages.”
The issue has sparked new debate in Nollywood as many now question how much power guilds hold, especially over non-members.
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