It will be recalled that on 21st June, 2024, veteran Nollywood actor and producer, Kanayo O. Kanayo, called out teen actress, Angel Unigwe, and her mother in a viral video post, alleging a breach of contract.
In his post on Instagram, the veteran actor threatened to disrupt any movie production involving Angel, the fast-rising actress.
He claimed that the youngster’s mum is “fond of botching productions” by taking her daughter away from sets, saying she did not allow her daughter to honour their agreement during a recent production.
The visibly angry actor expressed his disappointment and frustration, stating that he had initially dismissed reports of Angel’s mother’s behaviour but unfortunately experienced it firsthand.
“I am making this video to protect the entertainment industry in Nigeria. A particular woman has been holding producers to ransoms and it is unfortunate it has happened to me. Unfortunately, she is Angel Unigwe’s mother,” the actor said.
“A contract is breached by every producer, orally or written and it’s all respected but I found out that immediately this woman takes money from you, everything changes. She took her daughter at 9 pm when the particular date that we agreed hadn’t expired. She came at 9 pm and took her daughter.
“I have gotten reports from people before it happened to me. This is a Clarion call to producers, I beg you in the name of professionalism, from this moment to the first day of July 2024 any set that employs the services of Angel Unigwe, I will come to that set and make sure filming doesn’t hold. Her mother has been threatening many producers.”
However, Unigwe, in a statement through her manager, who doubled as her mother, Ms Kings, described Kanayo’s allegations as baseless falsehoods.
Unigwe’s manager stated that their lawyers have been contacted and legal action has been initiated against Kanayo, demonstrating their unwavering determination to seek justice.
The statement partly read: “We wish to reiterate our support for and firm stance against such unjust treatment and bullying tactics. Angel’s health, safety, and professional integrity remain our top priorities, and we will not tolerate any attempts to intimidate or defame her. Angel’s filming hours have always been and remain twelve (12) hours per day, depending on the producer’s timing.
“We would like to assure our friends and supporters that we have since taken legal steps to address these defamatory utterances, as well as the threats against Miss Unigwe’s safety, and we fully intend to follow the process to a logical conclusion. We are also exploring further legal action to ensure accountability and justice in this matter, as we will not be bullied in any manner or form.”
Unigwe’s mother called on security agencies and organisations to protect her and her daughter from aggression, thuggery, and vandalism, as well as to ensure their safety and maintain the integrity of the movie industry.
“We urge the public to disregard the baseless falsehoods and support us in standing against this new but not uncommon action of cyberbullying and harassment. We must stand together against this kind of injustice and ensure a safe and respectful working environment for all professionals in the industry”, she added.
Unigwe’s manager termed Kanayo’s statements and threats as cyberbullying, adding that his (Kanayo) actions have caused emotional distress for her and Angel.
Ms Kings further highlighted that Kanayo’s threats and allegations reflect a broader issue of gender-based oppression, noting that she and Ms Unigwe have faced derogatory and defamatory remarks.
She said, “Because we stood our ground and insisted on compliance with the terms of the agreement all parties had freely entered into. It’s disheartening to see such behaviour in an industry that should be built on mutual respect and professionalism and even more shocking from an individual we hold in high esteem and consider a veteran of the industry.
“To clarify, there has never been any prior issue between Angel, myself, and Mr Kanayo. I have long been a fan of Mr Kanayo, which makes his defamatory video shocking and hurtful. His actions have deeply wounded us, as we always held him in high regard.”
Unigwe’s manager reiterated their support and firm stance against unjust treatment and bullying, emphasising that Ms Unigwe’s health, safety, and professional integrity are top priorities, and any attempts to intimidate or defame her will not be tolerated.
Contrary to Kanayo’s statement, Ms Kings confirmed that Unigwe’s filming hours have always been twelve hours per day, depending on the producer’s schedule.
Ms Kings stated that her daughter holds the terms of any contract she enters into as sacred and is fully committed to fulfilling all lawful obligations required by them.
Unigwe’s mother stated that her daughter and Kanayo agreed she would film for three days and finish acting by 9:00 p.m. each day.
“We want to assure the public that we have done no such thing and are deeply hurt by these unfounded allegations. As a background to the events that led to this, between the 17 of June 2024 and the 19th of June 2024, Miss Unigwe participated in a film project under clear and agreed terms, most important being a daily wrap time of 9 p.m., despite our concerns about the feasibility of filming fifty-seven (57) scenes in three {3} days.
“We proceeded based on the assurances we received from Mr Kanayo O. Kanayo and his director, Ndifreke Matthew, that the three days period will be sufficient for shooting and that the talent’s shooting time of 12 hours starting from 9:00 am to 9:00 p.m. is acceptable to them, more so there will be no extension considering her prior engagement.
Ms Kings noted that despite the 9:00 p.m. wrap-up agreement, her daughter accommodated an additional forty-five to fifty minutes of filming on the final production day.
She noted that the minutes were added in the spirit of goodwill and mutual understanding between themselves, Kanayo, and the film director, Ndifreke Matthew.
“Upon completion of the shoot, we left the location without protest from the director or the production Manager, Cosmos Nwaihe, having performed our obligations”, she noted.
According to Unigwe’s manager, Kanayo’s allegations were a rude shock to learn about, especially to watch and listen to. She stated that Kanayo’s allegations and threats jeopardise Unigwe’s safety and rights.
“Miss Unigwe is a young, talented actress with a bright future ahead of her. It is heartbreaking to see her subjected to such treatment. We hope that by bringing this issue to light, we can prevent others from experiencing similar injustices. We ask for your support and understanding as we navigate this difficult time. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
Meanwhile, in response to Unigwe’s mother’s legal action, Kanayo said that he has not received any court order.
He said, “Straight to the point: I’m not granting you an interview—I’m unaware of any letter (court order). Don’t forget I’m a lawyer, so I will respond when she brings it up. I haven’t received anything, but I’m waiting. I want to get it done the minute she brings it.”
Different reactions have followed the recent development as many netizens believed it would be okay for both Angel and her mother who doubled as her manager to apologise to concerned parties.
Apostle Faithfulness Orji wrote : What is still keeping her from apologizing is pride and I believe her mother who pushed her into this mess was unremorseful about it.
If the mom drag the little girl to apologize for the said act, all these would have been resolved. If you will ask me, Mr. Kanayo O’kanayo didn’t kill the girls carrier but the mom for initiating and supporting dubious act.
I pray that pride will not pull you (the reader) down and nobody will take your place in Jesus name.
Austin Mozie said : They don’t know what producers go through to raise funds for production. That’s why this little girl and her mom after getting paid for a job will have the guts to leave set without completing the job they collected money for. And to make it worse refused to apologize with a valid reason. Pride goes before fall.
DaddyGucci wrote: While I understand the challenges faced, it’s important to address the situation with sensitivity and respect for industry protocols. It would be beneficial for the mother to issue a formal apology to the leadership to resolve this matter. Doing so will help clear the path for the daughter to continue pursuing her acting career and achieve her dreams. I hope this can be resolved swiftly and amicably for the benefit of everyone involved.
Peace Roberts opined: Well, this child will grow with this trauma for the rest of her life if her mother doesn’t do the right thing immediately. And may end up blaming her mother for making her lose her future because of her pride. This is what many parents have made out of their children because of their inability to be flexible
Mr Ajah: Well, I’d rather say that it’s the Mum who by her actions attracted that to her.
It’s high time people begin to respect and acknowledge protocol.
Nollywood is an industry that is at the verge of collapse and if drastic measures are not put in place by the pioneers things will definitely go wrong.
When you’re invited to shoot, it’s a contract, and a contract is guided by set of rules to be kept by the both party.
Consequently, this is what you get when a contractor fails to fulfill his own side of the bargain.
She should endure, it’s just a temporal punishment.
Although there are newly released movies which featured the actress and some which are yet to be released. The hard nut to crack is if indeed the actress has been completely banned or has been forgiven.
The teenage actress has been featured in several movies and television series, including ‘Light in the Dark’, ‘Here Love Lies’, ‘The Olive’, ‘King of Boys’, and ‘Discerning Eyes’.
In 2023, she won the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).