Taye Arimoro sues Guilds for N1 billion over ‘unlawful’ suspension!

The controversy surrounding Nollywood actor Taye Arimoro has escalated, with the actor formally challenging his suspension by the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP).

The sanctions were imposed following an alleged on-set dispute involving Arimoro and actress Peggy Ovire during the production of the movie “Pieces of Love.”

In a strongly-worded legal letter, Arimoro’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, argued that the guilds’ decision is “procedurally improper, legally indefensible, and constitutionally void.”

The letter outlines several key grounds for objection, asserting that the disciplinary actions are ultra vires (beyond their legal power) due to the actor’s non-membership in the guilds.

“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 letter stated, emphasizing that no association is legally empowered to exercise coercive powers over non-members.

Effiong highlighted major procedural flaws, including the misidentification of the actor (referred to as “Taiye Ayimoro” instead of Taiwo Arimoro) and the failure to grant him a fair hearing or disclose the evidence used against him. Arimoro maintains that the actions constitute an unlawful interference with his acting career and a violation of his right to freedom of association.

The actor’s demands are clear: he requires the DGN, AGN, and AMP to immediately retract the sanctions, issue a written apology, and publicly disseminate the retraction within 24 hours. Failure to comply will result in an immediate lawsuit seeking the massive sum of ₦1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) in damages.

Effiong concluded with a warning, urging the guilds to “remedy the injustice” to avoid litigation.