The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has issued a strong condemnation of physical violence on film sets following a viral altercation involving producer and actress Peggy Ovire and actor Taye Arimoro.
In a statement signed by AGN President Emeka Rollas, the guild expressed deep concern over a “disturbing video and voice note” circulating online, which appeared to show an actor being assaulted by a producer and her crew during a late-night shoot in Lagos.
The confrontation reportedly began when Arimoro attempted to leave the set after his agreed working hours ended around midnight. In an Instagram Live video, the actor claimed Ovire’s production team blocked his vehicle, deflated his tyres, and physically attacked him, leaving injuries to his gums and lips.
Ovire, however, rejected his account. In an Instagram Story, she alleged that Arimoro became violent first, attacking her production manager and driver, whom she said suffered ear injuries, after he was asked to complete “just two quick scenes.”
The controversy escalated on November 13 when CCTV footage surfaced online, showing Ovire and her crew surrounding Arimoro’s vehicle in a heated exchange that included moments of physical contact. Although the low-quality clip does not clearly show who initiated the violence, it has intensified public criticism.
In its statement, the AGN described the incident as “inhumane and degrading,” reiterating that no actor should face intimidation or physical abuse while on set. The guild called for disputes to be resolved through professional channels rather than confrontation.
“The Guild strongly advises practitioners to embrace lawful and civil means of conflict resolution,” the statement read. “Violence or self-help has no place in the Nigerian creative industry.”
The AGN also confirmed that its National Task Force has opened a full investigation. It urged the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) to identify the producer involved and enforce disciplinary action in line with industry ethics.
The guild reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the “welfare, dignity, and safety” of actors and pledged continued collaboration with other industry bodies to uphold professional standards.
As of now, neither Ovire nor Arimoro has publicly issued an apology, and the case remains under review by the AGN.
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