Lagos indigenes petition NFVCB over defamation of Isale Eko, Eyo in ‘Gangs of Lagos’ movie

Lagos indigenes under the aegis of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) have petitioned the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for allegedly defaming the community and Eyo masquerade in the recently-released movie, ‘Gangs of Lagos’.

The IDU said the movie, which was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023, scandalously depicted the Eyo masquerade as being used as a camouflage and subterfuge for criminals in the Isale Eko area of Lagos.

The union said this via a statement issued on Wednesday, April 12, by its chairman, Yomi Tokosi.

It further alleged that the movie, which was produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, brought the Eyo masquerade and the people of Isale Eko community to disrepute.

The IDU stated: “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.

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“In the movie, the unique Eyo masquerade indigenous to the Isale Eko community in Lagos was illegally and scandalously depicted as being used as a camouflage, decoy and subterfuge for murderers and gangsters operating in the Isale Eko area.

“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 gangs of criminals as illegally and scandalously portrayed.

“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 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 Prime Video to the detriment of the Isale Eko community.

“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 National Film and Video Censors Board (NF&VCB) including other major stakeholders.”

Calling on the National Film and Censors Board (NFVCB) to withdraw the approval granted to the movie, the union said: “The IDU has among other things requested that the NF&VCB withdraw the approval granted to the movie- Gangs of Lagos and direct the withdrawal of the movie from all viewing channels available to the public.

“The IDU and other community stakeholders will also be considering legal action for the damage done to the culture, tradition, and image of the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade.”

The Star