Gangs of Lagos: Court orders producers to apologise for misrepresentation of culture

LAGOS — A Lagos State High Court, yesterday, ruled in favour of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union in its case against Amazon Web Services and the creators of the controversial movie, Gangs of Lagos, mandating a public apology for misrepresenting the Eyo Festival and Isale-Eko community.

Following the film’s release on Amazon Prime Video, members of the Isale-Eko community expressed outrage, arguing that the movie distorted their cultural heritage and portrayed their people in a negative light.

The case filed under Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, challenged the depiction of the Eyo Masquerade and its significance.

Presiding over the matter, Justice Idowu Alakija approved the Terms of Settlement, reached by the parties in the suit.

As part of the ruling, the producers of Gangs of Lagos (Respondents 3-11) must issue a public apology, acknowledging the film’s misrepresentation of the Eyo Masquerade and its disrespect toward the peaceful traditions of the Isale-Eko people.

Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited (Respondent 12) is also required to release an official apology on its letterhead, recognizing the Isale-Eko Descendants Union’s concerns.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, hailed the ruling as a milestone in protecting Nigeria’s indigenous heritage.

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Kazeem also called on national and state film regulators to enforce stricter censorship measures, ensuring that future portrayals of Nigerian culture, especially in films released on global streaming platforms are accurate and respectful.