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LAGOS, Nigeria - The Isale Eko Descendants Union has expressed its contentment with the court's decision that mandates the makers of the film ‘Gangs of Lagos’ to issue an apology to the union for the depiction of the Eyo masquerade in the acclaimed movie.
A Lagos high court approved a settlement between the IDU and the film's producers concerning the contentious portrayal of the Eyo masquerade in the film.
The movie directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, the movie premiered on Amazon’s Prime Video on April 7, 2023. The film faced criticism for its "defamatory representation" of Isale Eko as a hub for criminals and the Eyo masquerade as a gang of murderers.
The union initiated legal proceedings seeking N10 billion in damages against Amazon and the film’s producers. In her ruling, as per a legal document dated February 20, presiding judge Justice Idowu Alakija noted that the parties consented to settle all disputes related to the film amicably. The Attorney General of Lagos and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board were named as the first and second respondents in the lawsuit.
The third to twelfth respondents included Osiberu, Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Wellington, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited.
The court ruled that "The 3rd – 11th Respondents (the Film Producers) shall jointly provide a letter acknowledging the applicants' position that the movie titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’ incorrectly portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the esteemed Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko community, and shall therein tender a full apology to the applicants – Isale Eko Descendants Union — in this regard.
The 12th respondent (Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited) shall issue a letter on its Letterhead, recognizing the applicants’ (Isale Eko Descendants Union) stance that the movie titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’ mistakenly depicted and devalued the cultural heritage of the revered Eyo masquerade and the peaceful essence and enduring traditions of the Isale-Eko people, and shall also extend an unreserved apology to the applicants.”
After the court-approved settlement, the IDU conveyed its satisfaction with the outcome. They see it as a significant benchmark for safeguarding indigenous cultural heritage in Nigeria.
"We feel vindicated by this verdict and appreciate the court system and the Lagos State Attorney General’s office for their efforts in resolving this issue," stated IDU Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), in a Wednesday statement.
Nevertheless, he urged national and state film censors to exercise greater diligence in examining films that misrepresent Nigerian cultures.
