Gangs of Lagos Producers, Amazon Prime Apologize to Isale Eko Over Cultural Misrepresentation
Nearly two years after a lawsuit was filed against them, the producers of Gangs of Lagos and Amazon Prime have issued a public apology to the Isale Eko Descendants Union over the film’s controversial depiction of the Isale Eko community and the revered Eyo masquerade.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2023, accused the filmmakers of misrepresenting the cultural heritage of Isale Eko by portraying the Eyo masquerade as assassins and depicting the historic community as a hub for criminal activities. The Lagos State Government and traditional leaders had also condemned the film, sparking widespread outrage among cultural custodians.
On Wednesday, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, confirmed that a legal settlement had been reached. The Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, presided over by Justice Idowu Alakija, delivered a consent judgment finalizing the agreement between the Isale Eko Descendants Union and the defendants, including Amazon Web Services and the film’s producers.
Terms of Settlement
As part of the settlement, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited is required to issue an official statement acknowledging that Gangs of Lagos misrepresented the Isale Eko community and the sacred Eyo masquerade.
Additionally, the film’s producers, including Greoh Limited, Jadesola Osiberu, Kemi Akindoju, and other executive producers, must tender a joint apology recognizing the concerns of the Isale Eko Descendants Union.
The apology serves as a significant victory for the cultural custodians who had demanded accountability over the misrepresentation of their heritage. The Isale Eko community views the Eyo masquerade as a symbol of honor and tradition, and its wrongful depiction as a criminal entity sparked an intense legal and cultural battle.
While it remains unclear whether Gangs of Lagos will face further restrictions or edits, this landmark settlement underscores the importance of respecting indigenous cultures in cinematic portrayals. The resolution also sets a precedent for how Nigerian filmmakers handle cultural narratives in the future.
