Ope Banwo raises concerns over the Taye Arimoro Peggy Ovire verdict, urging AMP to adopt reforms for safer and fairer Nollywood practices

Popular Nollywood producer and public commentator, Dr Ope Banwo, has called for urgent reforms within the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) following the joint verdict in the dispute between actors Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire.

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Banwo expressed his concerns in a formal letter to Dr Queen Ebigieson, AMP President, and the executive council, highlighting seven critical areas where the guild’s handling fell short.

In the letter titled Re: Formal Concerns About The Joint Guild Verdict In The Taye Arimoro Vs Peggy Ovire Matter And Proposals For Urgent Producer-Led Reforms, Banwo criticised the perceived one-sided nature of the sanctions, lack of condemnation for unlawful restraint, and mixed messaging that could signal unsafe practices to actors, crew, and estates.

He also noted the reputational and legal risks such decisions pose for AMP and its members.

Banwo, a legal practitioner and founder of Aixflix360 and Nollywood Fanatics, proposed seven key reforms.

These include developing a clear on-set conduct and safety code for producers, outlawing unlawful detention, mandatory training on law, ethics, and conflict management, establishing an independent review panel for serious incidents, imposing balanced sanctions, championing standardised contracts, and creating a confidential reporting system for unsafe practices.

“I write as a committed, relatively new member who loves this industry and has invested heavily in it. My only desire is to see AMP grow in respect, credibility and moral authority,” Banwo said.

“When we speak, the entire ecosystem must know that we stand on the side of fairness, safety, and best practice.”

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The producer urged AMP leadership to review their role in the joint verdict, reconsider sanctions where necessary, and implement reforms to enhance professionalism, safety, and fairness in Nollywood productions.