![]() ![]() “The IDU has among other things requested that the NF&CB withdraw the approval granted to the movie and direct the withdrawal of the movie from all viewing channels available to the public. “The illegal and scandalous depiction of the Eyo masquerade in the movie is actionable and a petition has been lodged by the IDU with the NFVCB including other major stakeholders. “ The Isale Eko descendants’ union is very disturbed that the culture and tradition of Isale Eko can be wantonly exploited in such a despicable and insensitive manner by Amazon and Prime Video to the detriment of the Isale Eko community. He lamented that 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. In his words: “ For the avoidance of doubt, the Eyo masquerade has been part of the unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community of Lagos since 1854 (169 years) and the Eyo is known as a masquerade for celebration in Lagos Island and not an instrument of the gang of criminals as illegally and scandalously portrayed most importantly. Tokosi claimed that the renowned and indigenous Eyo Masquerade was scandalous and illegally represented in the movie and used to depict a decoy and subterfuge for murderers and gangsters operating in the Isale Eko area. The chairman of the group, Yomi Tokosi, insisted that the movie portrayed a very disturbing and violent image. He urged the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to ban the movie and sanction the directors and producers.Īlso, a group known as the Descendants of Isale Eko threatened to take legal action against the producers of the movie and asked the NFVCB to withdraw the approval granted to the movie. ![]() Shodipe-Dosunmu insisted that the movie was not only a distortion of Lagosians culture, but ethnic profiling of the people as criminals and murderers. In the same vein, a Lagos prince, Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu called for immediate withdrawal of the ‘Gangs of Lagos’. She noted that contrary to what was displayed in the movie, the Eyo festival is used as a symbol of honour for remarkable historical events.Īccording to her, it signifies a sweeping renewal, a purification ritual to usher in a new beginning, a beckoning of new light, acknowledging the blessings of the ancestors of Lagosians She condemned the movie producers for painting the Eyo Masquerade as a gun-wielding villain while adorning the full traditional regalia.Īccording to the commissioner, the Adamu Orisha, popularly known as the Eyo Festival, is rarely observed and only comes up as a traditional rite of passage for Obas, revered Chiefs and eminent Lagosians. The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said the Ministry had stated that the regulatory body views the movie as a mockery of the heritage of Lagos. The criticism and backlash trailing the Gangs of Lagos is majorly centered around the Eyo festival and the gang lifestyle portrayed in the movie.Īccording to the Lagos State Government the promoters of the “Gangs of Lagos” portrayed the culture of the state in a derogatory manner. among others.Ĭontroversies, Backlash, And The Claim Of Misrepresentation Other stars of the hit movie are Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Debo “Mr Maraconi” Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola Ogunsi, Funke Williams, Olarotimi Fakunle, Bimbo Ademoye. Two strong elements used in the story were Lagos Island and Eyo Masquerades. Gang of Lagos which was co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and Jade Osiberu tells the story of three friends, Obalola (Tobi Bakre), Gift (Adesua Etomi-Wellington), and Ify (Chike) who joined a gang after their adoptive father was murdered by a group. The movie was released on April 7 via Prime Video and reportedly ranked in the top 10 categories in more than 30 countries within 24 hours. So let’s do a quick introduction of the movie before delving into the controversies and the source of the angst among the Lagos indigenes. ![]() However, it would be unjust to brush away the concerns of a group of people who are of the opinion that their culture, which in essence is the core of their identity is being misrepresented to the public. Perhaps the reason for this unsettled feeling towards a fictional movie might be linked back to the ethnic controversies witnessed during the 2023 general elections in Lagos State.
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