Omotayo Adigun
A Lagos State High Court has ruled that the producers of the film Gangs of Lagos and Amazon Web Services Nigeria must issue public apologies for misrepresenting the Eyo Festival and the Isale-Eko community.
The lawsuit, filed by the Isale-Eko Descendants Union (IEDU) under Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, challenged the film’s portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade as linked to gang violence. The IEDU argued that this depiction distorted the cultural significance of the festival and disrespected their heritage.
Justice Idowu Alakija approved the Terms of Settlement reached by both parties, mandating that the film’s producers, including Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju, publicly acknowledge their misrepresentation and apologize to the Isale-Eko people. Amazon Web Services Nigeria, which distributed the film, must also issue a formal apology on its official letterhead.
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IEDU Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), described the ruling as a major win for cultural preservation, stating that it reinforces the need for responsible storytelling in filmmaking. The union had initially demanded N10 billion in damages but opted for an amicable resolution.
The court‘s decision requires the filmmakers and distributor to recognize the “erroneous portrayal” and issue unreserved apologies to the Isale-Eko community. Kazeem also urged stricter content regulations to prevent future cultural misrepresentations.
The controversy surrounding Gangs of Lagos sparked debate, with some defending the film’s creative freedom and others criticizing its depiction of indigenous traditions. The IEDU welcomed the court-approved settlement, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage.