The Lagos State High Court has ruled that the producers of Gangs of Lagos must issue a public apology for the film’s alleged misrepresentation of the Eyo Festival and the Isale-Eko community.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by the Isale-Eko Descendants Union (IDU) against Amazon Web Services and the filmmakers, claiming that the movie distorted historical and cultural heritage while portraying the community in a negative light.
Eyo Festival Misrepresentation at the Heart of Controversy
At the center of the dispute is the depiction of the Eyo masquerade, an iconic cultural symbol in Lagos, which the IDU argues was wrongly associated with violence and gang activities in the film. Justice Idowu Alakija approved a settlement agreement requiring the filmmakers to publicly acknowledge the misrepresentation and apologize.
Divided Reactions and Industry Implications
Since its Amazon Prime Video release, Gangs of Lagos has polarized audiences, with some defending it as a form of artistic expression, while others insist it disrespects traditional values. The case highlights the delicate balance between creative storytelling and cultural sensitivity, raising important questions about how Nigerian heritage is represented in media.
With the court’s decision reinforcing the need for cultural accuracy in filmmaking, the case sets a precedent for future portrayals of traditional symbols and indigenous communities in Nollywood.
