Lagos, Nigeria – March 13, 2025
In a landmark ruling, the Lagos State High Court has mandated the producers of the film “Gangs of Lagos” and Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited to issue public apologies to the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) for the misrepresentation of the Eyo Masquerade and the Isale Eko community in the movie.
Background
Released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023, “Gangs of Lagos” faced immediate backlash from the Isale Eko community. The film was criticized for depicting the Eyo Masquerade—a symbol of Lagos’s rich cultural heritage—as a gang of murderers and portraying the Isale Eko area as a hub of criminal activity. Feeling that their traditions and community were unjustly maligned, the IDU initiated legal proceedings against the filmmakers and associated parties.
Court Proceedings and Settlement
The IDU filed Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, seeking redress for the alleged cultural misrepresentation. The defendants included prominent figures such as Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju, along with Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited. Presiding over the case, Justice Idowu Alakija approved the terms of settlement agreed upon by both parties. The court’s decision requires:
1. Public Apology from the Producers: Respondents 3 to 11 (the film’s producers) are to jointly issue a letter acknowledging that “Gangs of Lagos” misrepresented and disparaged the cultural heritage of the esteemed Eyo Masquerade and the peace-loving traditions of the Isale Eko community. They are to extend an unreserved apology to the IDU.
2. Apology from Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited: Respondent 12 (Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited) is directed to issue a letter on its official letterhead, recognizing the IDU’s concerns about the film’s portrayal and tendering an unreserved apology.
Reactions from the Isale Eko Descendants Union
Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, Chairman of the IDU, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding indigenous cultural rights. He highlighted that the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) underscores the protection of indigenous cultures and asserts that intellectual property rights over such traditions should not be exploited without consent.
Kazeem further called on national and state film censors to exercise greater vigilance in scrutinizing films that depict Nigerian cultures, especially those released on global streaming platforms. He stressed the importance of accurate and respectful portrayals to prevent the misrepresentation of cultural symbols and traditions.
Implications for the Nigerian Film Industry
This ruling sets a precedent for filmmakers, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity and accuracy when portraying indigenous traditions. It serves as a reminder that creative expressions should respect and honor the cultural heritage of communities, ensuring that artistic liberties do not come at the expense of misrepresentation or offense.
Conclusion
The legal victory of the Isale Eko Descendants Union against the producers of “Gangs of Lagos” underscores the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage in media representations. It highlights the responsibility of filmmakers to portray cultures authentically and the role of the judiciary in upholding the rights of indigenous communities against misrepresentation.
Dr. Imran Khazaly.
Headlinenews.news
