Two prominent Nollywood actors have become embroiled in a serious conflict involving mutual assault allegations following a recent movie production. The incident between Taye Orimoro and Peggy Ovire has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry as both parties present contrasting versions of events.
The Initial Allegations and Evidence
Taye Orimoro initiated the public confrontation by sharing video evidence of what he described as an assault during work on Peggy Ovire's movie set. According to Orimoro's account, the conflict erupted when he expressed his desire to leave the location as filming extended into late hours.
In his social media posts, the actor presented visual proof of his injuries, including a bleeding mouth and damaged teeth. The footage showed him engaged in tense discussions with crew members who allegedly prevented him from departing the set. Orimoro repeatedly demanded his car keys while challenging those blocking his exit.
Peggy Ovire's Counter-Allegations
Peggy Ovire, serving as the movie's producer, responded vigorously to Orimoro's claims through her Instagram stories. She presented a completely different narrative, alleging that Orimoro became physically aggressive first.
Ovire claimed that when her production manager requested additional time to complete the day's work, Orimoro refused and allegedly assaulted her driver. She shared disturbing evidence showing her driver bleeding from the ear and displaying bite marks on his arm, which she attributed to Orimoro's actions.
The actress explained that she attempted to mediate the situation upon arriving at the scene, temporarily taking possession of Orimoro's car keys before returning them. She stated that after seeing her driver's injuries, she proceeded to the estate gate to prevent Orimoro from leaving the location.
History Between the Actors
Ovire provided context about her professional relationship with Orimoro, noting they had collaborated on multiple projects in the past. She emphasized that she had always maintained positive professional conduct toward him throughout their previous engagements.
The incident comes months after Ovire made headlines regarding divorce rumors, during which her husband Frederick Leonard publicly defended her. Coincidentally, she recently celebrated her wedding anniversary, describing Leonard as the perfect husband in social media posts that attracted significant fan attention.
Public Reaction and Industry Implications
The Nollywood community and fans have expressed divided opinions on the conflict. Social media comments reveal strong support for both parties, with some users criticizing the practice of forcing actors to remain on set against their will.
One commenter noted: "Instead of settling the issue it's trend that she is worried about... the way you were calm despite the gang up is amazing." Another supporter of Orimoro stated: "Why would you stop an actor from leaving? Jesus Christ and he wasn't even feeling well on this set o. Taye I'm so sorry that this happened to you."
Industry observers have raised concerns about working conditions and professional conduct within Nollywood productions. The public nature of this dispute highlights ongoing challenges in the Nigerian film industry regarding set protocols and conflict resolution.
As both actors maintain their positions with supporting evidence, the entertainment community awaits potential resolution through industry mediation or legal channels. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear communication and professional boundaries on creative projects.
