Chaos On Set! Peggy Ovire, Zubby Michael, And Top Nollywood Stars Clash In Explosive Fight

The Nollywood industry recently raised concerns over the increasing trend of physical confrontations involving actors, crew members, and production staff.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Although disagreements on set are not unusual, the altercation between actress Peggy Ovire and her colleague Taiye Arimoro has intensified discussions surrounding safety, professionalism, and mental health—issues now considered pressing challenges within the industry.

1. Peggy Ovire and Taiye Arimoro

Actor Taiye Arimoro accused Peggy Ovire of assaulting him on November 11, 2025, after his contract expired at 11:59 PM and he was allegedly prevented from leaving the location.

He claimed that the production manager blocked his car, followed by another vehicle that sealed the exit. Feeling threatened, he went live on Instagram to document the incident.

According to Arimoro, the dispute escalated at the estate gate, where Ovire and her team allegedly confronted him. He stated that his tyres were deflated, he was surrounded, and he sustained injuries including a fractured jaw, bite marks, and bruises.

Peggy Ovire, through her lawyers, disputed his claims, insisting that Arimoro distorted the events. They maintained she did not assault him, stating that the only contact was a “light push” after he allegedly attempted to deflate her tyres. They argued that efforts to prevent him from leaving were only to ensure he remained on-site until police arrived.

2. Femi Branch and the Assistant Director

In June 2025, veteran actor Femi Branch trended online after being accused of slapping a first assistant director during a shoot—an incident for which he later apologized.

A viral video showed Branch attempting to leave the set while being restrained by crew members, repeatedly questioning the director about why he was being embarrassed.

The Film Crew Community later issued a statement condemning the assault:
“On 18 June 2025, during a production shoot, actor Femi Branch physically assaulted the first Assistant Director. He slapped him in the presence of witnesses, violating professional boundaries and basic human decency. After pressure, he apologized to the AD and the crew. We commend the team for standing against violence and upholding integrity on set.”

3. Zubby Michael and Godwin Nnadikwe

Actor Godwin Nnadikwe called out his colleague Zubby Michael for delivering an unscripted and forceful kick during filming.

Nnadikwe said the kick was not part of the script nor approved by the director, adding that he suffered internal pains and required hospital treatment.

In an Instagram post, he wrote:
“During a scene, I received a kick to the chest from my colleague that wasn’t in the script. It caused me serious pain, and I had to seek medication on my own. Without insurance or proper first aid, unexpected physical actions can have real consequences. Let’s prioritize safety and respect on set.”

4. Shirley Igwe and a Crew Member

In July 2025, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) suspended actress Shirley Igwe for allegedly assaulting a crew member on a Lagos movie set.

In a letter signed by AGN President Emeka Rollas, the guild also advised all members to avoid working with her pending further review.

5. Anierobi “Nwa South” Courage and Mary Eze

In October 2025, outrage spread across social media after production manager and casting director Anierobi Courage, popularly known as Nwa South, was arrested for allegedly assaulting the head of makeup artists, Mary Eze, on a Lagos film set.

The Nigerian Film Crew Community issued a statement condemning Courage’s conduct and calling for stronger enforcement of safety standards on film sets.