The Movie Gangs of Lagos, directed by Jadesola Osiberu, and co-produced by Kemi Akindoj. Has received several reviews and lash from viewers and different cultural communities.
Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU), petitioned the National Film and censor board. Over defamation of their community reputation and Eyo masquerade in the Gangs of Lagos movie.
In a statement released by the Union Chairman, it highlighted that the movie painted a shameful image of its union.
The statement read, “The attention of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) is on the violent images in the movie. Directed by Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju. Executive produced by Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Kola Aina. And filmed by Greoh Studios, and released by Amazon’s Prime Video Nigeria called gangs of Lagos.”
IDU stated further, “In the movie, the unique Eyo masquerade indigenous to the Isale Eko community in Lagos. Is illegally and scandalously depicted as being used as a camouflage, for murderers and gangsters operating in the area.”
The Union stressed that Eyo has been the exclusive cultural legacy of Lagosians for close to 170 years. Hence the objecting to the image portrayed in the Gangs of Lagos movie.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Eyo masquerade is part of the unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community of Lagos since 1854 (169 years) and the Eyo is a masquerade for celebration in Lagos island and not an instrument of gangs of criminals as illegally and scandalously portrayed.
It said, “Most importantly, the movie has brought the Eyo masquerade and the people of Isale Eko into disrepute”
“The Isale Eko descendants’ union is very disturbed. That the culture and tradition of Isale Eko is under such exploit in a despicable manner by Amazon Prime Video to the detriment of the Isale Eko community.
“The illegal and scandalous depiction of the Eyo masquerade in the movie is actionable and hence a petition. With the National Film and Video Censors Board (NF&VCB) including other major stakeholders.”
“The IDU has among other things requested that the NF&VCB withdraw the approval granted to the movie- Gangs of Lagos and direct the withdrawal of the movie from all viewing channels available to the public. The IDU and other community stakeholders will also be considering legal action for the damage done to the culture, tradition, and image of the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade.”
This followed after the Lagos state government called the movie producers out for painting a wrong image of the state. Even though a large percentage of individual viewers worldwide has given reviews in support of the message the movie passed.
We look forward to seeing where all this ends.
