Somto BisinaThe Lagos State Government has issued a strong condemnation of the new Nollywood film, ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ which started streaming on Prime Video on April 7, 2023.
The film, which is directed by Jade Osiberu, portrays the lives of three friends growing up in a crime-ridden Isale Eko in Lagos and their involvement in gang life.
The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, expressed concern over the misrepresentation of the state’s culture and condemned the producers for portraying the Eyo masquerade, a revered figure in the community, as a gun-wielding villain.
In a statement released on April 12, Akinbile-Yussuf said, “We are of the opinion that the production of the film ‘Gangs of Lagos’ is very unprofessional and misleading while its content is derogatory of our culture, with the intention to desecrate the revered heritage of the people of Lagos.”
The government’s statement came after the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) also expressed its disappointment in the film’s portrayal of the Eyo masquerade.
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The IDU has filed a complaint with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), demanding the withdrawal of the film’s approval and the removal of the film from all viewing platforms.
The Eyo masquerade is an important cultural symbol in Lagos, and the IDU believes that its portrayal in ‘Gangs of Lagos’ is an insult to the community. The IDU has also indicated that it will consider legal action against the producers of the film.
Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos’ is the first African Original for Prime Video and is part of Osiberu’s three-year overall deal with the streaming platform.
The controversy surrounding the film highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and accuracy in filmmaking, especially when it comes to depicting cultural symbols and heritage.
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