Producers of ‘Gangs of Lagos’ Face Backlash, Urged to Apologize for Misrepresentation of Eyo Culture

Producers of the hit movie ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ Greoh Limited and Amazon Prime have reached a settlement with Isale Eko Descendants Union, which will see them apologise for desecrating an aspect of Lagos culture.

The Isale Eko Descendants had accused the producers of defamation and sacrilege for their portrayal of Eyo Masquerade in the movie as a gang of murderers and assassins.

They also said the movie, which is streaming on Amazon Prime, portrayed the Isale Eko community as a den of criminals.

On May 30, 2023, the association filed a suit which listed the Attorney General of Lagos State and also the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board as first and second respondents.

The third to 12th respondents included Jade Osiberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington (Banky W), Adesua Etomi, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited.

Desirous of an amicable solution, all parties met and agreed on settlement terms contained in a court judgment sighted by our correspondent.

According to the judgment, the third to 11th respondents shall jointly issue a letter recognising the applicants’ position that the movie titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’ erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo Masquerade and the peace-loving culture and the long-standing traditions of the Issle-Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants in this regard.

The 12 respondent (Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited) shall lease on its Letter Head, a letter recognising the applicants’ position that the movie titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’ erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the wall-respected Eyo Masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko People, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants.

The parties agreed on the binding nature of the terms of the settlement.

The judgment also stated that the “applicants shall not further commence, file, maintain, continue, pursue, or prosecute against the respondents, any complaint, claims, suit, exhibition, or other administrative, or other proceedings of any kind based upon or related to the subject matter or the underlying facts or any other matter arising out of or connected to the instant suit No. LD/6903GCM/2023.

“The terms contained herein shall continue to remain binding and enforceable on all parties, their agents, successors in title, and any person howsoever described deriving title therefrom and shall be entered as the decision of this Court in this instant suit No. LD/6903GCM/2023.”