The Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) has expressed satisfaction with a court ruling directing the producers of the movie Gangs of Lagos to issue an apology for the portrayal of the Eyo masquerade in the film.
A Lagos High Court approved the settlement terms between the IDU and the filmmakers over the controversial depiction of the Eyo masquerade and Isale Eko as a hub of criminal activity.
The movie, directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023, but faced criticism for allegedly portraying the Eyo masquerade as a gang of murderers.
The IDU subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking N10 billion in damages against Amazon and the producers of the film.
In a legal document dated February 20, Justice Idowu Alakija, the presiding judge, confirmed that all parties agreed to resolve the matter amicably. The Attorney General of Lagos and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board were listed as the first and second respondents in the case.
The 3rd to 12th respondents included Osiberu, Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Wellington, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited.
The court ruled that “The 3rd – 11th Respondents (the Film Producers) shall jointly issue a letter recognising the applicants position that the movie titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’ erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants – Isale Eko Descendants Union — in this regard.
“The 12th respondent (Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited) shall issue on its Letterhead, a letter recognising the applicants’ (Isale Eko Descendants Union) position that the movie titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’ erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants in this regard.”
Following the court-approved settlement, the IDU expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
They believe it serves as a significant precedent for protecting indigenous cultural heritage in Nigeria.
“We feel vindicated by this judgment and thank the court system and the Lagos State Attorney General’s office for their role in resolving this dispute,” IDU Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), said in a statement on Wednesday.
However, he urged the national and state film censors to be more vigilant in scrutinising films that misrepresent Nigerian cultures.