The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU), a group representing indigenes of Lagos, has filed a petition with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) over alleged defamation of their community and the Eyo masquerade in the recently released Gangs of Lagos film.
The IDU, in a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Yomi Tokosi, expressed displeasure over the way the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade were depicted in the film, which was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023. According to the statement, the film scandalously portrayed Isale Eko as a crime hub, bringing shame to the community’s indigenes.
The statement read, “The attention of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) has been drawn to the very disturbing violent images in a new 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.”
The IDU further stated that the film depicted the Eyo masquerade, which is unique to the Isale Eko community, as being used as a cover-up for criminal activities. The union stressed that the Eyo masquerade has been part of the unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community of Lagos for almost 170 years and should not be portrayed in such a despicable and insensitive manner.
The IDU added, “Most importantly, the movie has brought the Eyo masquerade and the people of Isale Eko into disrepute, who are now deemed criminally minded in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society.”
The IDU has requested that the NFVCB withdraw the approval granted to the film and direct the withdrawal of the movie from all viewing channels available to the public. Additionally, the IDU and other community stakeholders are considering legal action for the damage done to the culture, tradition, and image of the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade.
In conclusion, the IDU is unhappy about the portrayal of their community and culture in Gangs of Lagos and has taken steps to ensure that the film is removed from all viewing channels available to the public. The union is also considering legal action to repair the damage done to the community’s image and cultural heritage.
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