In an unprecedented show of unity, Nigeria’s three major film industry guilds—the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), and Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN)—have delivered a landmark ruling that could redefine professional standards in Nollywood. The joint suspension of actor Taiye Arimoro following a violent onset altercation represents more than just disciplinary action; it signals a coordinated effort to address long-standing issues of workplace conduct and accountability in Africa’s largest film industry.
AGN President Emeka Rollas, in an emotionally charged statement that resonated throughout the industry, framed the decision as stemming from “responsibility, compassion, and a desire to restore trust” within the Nollywood community. His characterization of AGN as a “family” underscores the complex interpersonal dynamics at play in an industry where professional and personal relationships frequently intersect.
The November 27, 2025 joint communiqué revealed that disciplinary committees from all three guilds conducted a thorough investigation, concluding that Arimoro was the “primary aggressor” in multiple incidents. The severity of his actions—which included physical assault against both the production manager and driver, coupled with the circulation of a misleading live video that falsely implicated producer Peggy Ovire—demonstrates the multifaceted nature of misconduct in the digital age, where physical violence and social media manipulation can compound professional transgressions.
The comprehensive sanctions imposed on Arimoro reflect the guilds’ nuanced understanding of both punishment and rehabilitation. Beyond immediate suspension from all Nollywood productions, his requirements include: a public apology to all affected parties; creation of a corrective video documenting the actual sequence of events; completion of his remaining scenes for “Pieces of Love” under supervision; and compliance with any future guild directives. This multifaceted approach acknowledges that true accountability requires both consequence and correction.
While cleared of direct involvement in the altercation, producer Peggy Ovire received sanctions for her “emotional reaction at the estate gate” that contributed to the situation’s escalation. Her requirements—official apology letters to the guilds, an apology to estate management, and a written commitment to improved personnel management—highlight that leadership carries heightened responsibility for maintaining professional decorum, even under provocation.
Industry veterans have characterized this ruling as a watershed moment that establishes new precedents for several critical issues:
Social Media Accountability: The explicit condemnation of Arimoro’s “misleading live video” sets a crucial precedent about the professional consequences of using social media to manipulate narratives or attack colleagues.
Inter-Guild Cooperation: The unified response from AGN, AMP, and DGN demonstrates an unprecedented level of coordination that could transform how the industry addresses complex disciplinary matters involving multiple stakeholders.
Workplace Safety Standards: By addressing both physical violence and emotional reactions, the ruling establishes comprehensive expectations for on-set conduct that prioritizes psychological safety alongside physical security.
The incident has ignited vigorous debate across social media platforms and industry forums about professionalism, accountability, and power dynamics in Nollywood. Many see the ruling as a necessary step toward modernizing an industry that has sometimes struggled with standardized professional conduct, while others question whether the punishment fits the offense.
What remains clear is that this joint action represents a significant departure from previous guild responses to internal conflicts. By presenting a united front and delivering a comprehensive ruling that addresses both immediate misconduct and broader professional standards, AGN, AMP, and DGN have potentially established a new template for industry self-regulation that balances disciplinary action with restorative justice and professional development.
As Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint and attract international partnerships, this demonstration of effective self-governance may prove crucial in building confidence among investors, partners, and audiences who expect world-class professional standards from one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.