Popular Nollywood actor Taye Arimoro has contested his suspension by the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) following an on-set dispute with actress Peggy Ovire on the set of Pieces of Love.
In a strongly-worded letter, Arimoro’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, described the guilds’ action as “procedurally improper, legally indefensible, and constitutionally void.”
Key issues raised include misidentification, lack of jurisdiction, and procedural lapses. Effiong noted that the guilds referred to Arimoro as “Taiye Ayimoro” instead of Taiwo Arimoro and did not afford him a fair hearing.
“Our client is not a member of the DGN, AGN, or AMP. These bodies lack jurisdiction to discipline or regulate him in any manner whatsoever,” Effiong stated. “No association is empowered by law to exercise coercive or disciplinary powers over persons who are not its members. Any sanction issued against our client is therefore ultra vires and legally unenforceable.”
The letter also cited failure to disclose evidence and violation of Arimoro’s right to freedom of association. The actor has demanded a retraction of the sanctions, a written apology, and public notification within 24 hours — or face a ₦1 billion lawsuit.
“Take notice that if DGN, AGN, and AMP fail to comply with the demands above, our client has given us standing instructions to immediately commence legal proceedings… seeking, inter alia, the sum of ₦1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) in damages,” the letter reads.
Effiong urged the guilds to act swiftly, warning, “A stitch in time saves nine,” as a means to avoid protracted litigation.