Court Orders Gangs Of Lagos Producers To Apologise For Cultural Misrepresentation
A Lagos State High Court on Wednesday ruled in favour of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union in its case against Amazon Web Services and the creators of Gangs of Lagos, ordering them to issue a public apology for misrepresenting the Eyo Festival and the Isale-Eko community.
Following the film’s release on Amazon Prime Video, members of the Isale-Eko community condemned its portrayal, arguing that it distorted their cultural heritage and depicted them negatively.
The lawsuit, filed under Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, challenged the film’s depiction of the Eyo Masquerade and its significance.
Justice Idowu Alakija, who presided over the matter, approved the Terms of Settlement agreed upon by the parties involved.
As part of the ruling, the producers of Gangs of Lagos (Respondents 3-11) must issue a public apology acknowledging the film’s misrepresentation of the Eyo Masquerade and its misrepresentation of the Isale-Eko people’s peaceful traditions.
Additionally, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited (Respondent 12) is required to release an official apology on its letterhead, recognising the concerns raised by the Isale-Eko Descendants Union.
Reacting to the judgment, the Chairman of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, described the ruling as a significant step in safeguarding Nigeria’s indigenous heritage.
He also urged national and state film regulators to enforce stricter censorship measures to ensure that future portrayals of Nigerian culture in films, especially those on global streaming platforms, remain accurate and respectful.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
