Nollywood actors Frederick Leonard and Peggy Ovire are involved in an ongoing divorce dispute currently before a customary court in Nigeria.
Peggy Ovire confirmed in a series of social media posts that she has initiated divorce proceedings and referenced a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, 23 June 2026. She also accused Leonard of failing to appear in court on an earlier date.
“Please don’t avoid customary court June 23rd for the second time because I’m coming with receipts,” Ovire wrote in an Instagram story on 9 June 2026. In another post, she asked, “Would you remain married to such a man?”
Ovire alleged infidelity within the marriage and claimed that Leonard had engaged in a relationship with another woman. The actress did not provide court-submitted documents in the public posts reviewed in reports.
Leonard has not issued a personal public statement responding to the allegations as of 10 June 2026.
On 10 June 2026, Barrister Rita Amy, who identified herself as Leonard’s legal representative, responded in a video shared on X. She said Leonard had not refused divorce proceedings and rejected claims that the actor was attempting to remain in the marriage.
“There is no court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria that would force a man to stay married where he does not want to marry,” Amy said in the video. She also said issues relating to traditional marriage rites, including the return of bride price, formed part of the dispute.
Amy dismissed allegations linking Leonard to actress Nkiru Umeh (Angellikky), stating the two had maintained a long-standing friendship.
Following Peggy’s post, Angellikky shared a brief post on her Instagram page, writing: “Uwa enwe nmeta (You can’t please the world). It is well.” The statement did not directly address the claims made by Peggy Ovire.
Peggy Ovire has removed Leonard’s surname from her social media profiles, a change that followed weeks of public speculation about the state of the marriage.
As of 10 June 2026, court proceedings remain ongoing at a customary court in Nigeria. No ruling has been announced.
