- A Lagos State High Court ruled in favor of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union against Amazon Web Services and the creators of the movie “Gangs of Lagos”.
- The court ordered the producers to issue a public apology for misrepresenting the Eyo Festival and Isale-Eko community.
- Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited must also release an official apology on its letterhead.
- The Chairman of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, hailed the ruling as a milestone in protecting Nigeria’s indigenous heritage.
- Kazeem called for stricter censorship measures to ensure accurate and respectful portrayals of Nigerian culture in films.
A Lagos State High Court has ruled in favor of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union in its case against Amazon Web Services and the creators of the movie “Gangs of Lagos”. The court ordered the producers to issue a public apology for misrepresenting the Eyo Festival and Isale-Eko community .
The controversy surrounding the movie began after its release on Amazon Prime Video, with members of the Isale-Eko community expressing outrage over the film’s depiction of their cultural heritage. They argued that the movie distorted their traditions and portrayed their people in a negative light.
The case, filed under Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, challenged the depiction of the Eyo Masquerade and its significance. Justice Idowu Alakija approved the Terms of Settlement, which included a public apology from the producers.
As part of the ruling, the producers must acknowledge the film’s misrepresentation of the Eyo Masquerade and its disrespect toward the peaceful traditions of the Isale-Eko people. The Chairman of the Union, Adeniyi Kazeem, SAN, welcomed the judgment and urged stricter film censorship and regulatory measures to safeguard cultural traditions .
Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited has been ordered to issue an official apology to the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, acknowledging their concerns. This development has been welcomed by the Chairman of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, who sees it as a significant step in protecting Nigeria’s indigenous heritage .
Kazeem is also advocating for stricter censorship measures to ensure accurate and respectful portrayals of Nigerian culture in films released on global streaming platforms. This call to action highlights the importance of responsible representation and the need for greater cultural sensitivity in the media.
It’s worth noting that this issue underscores the importance of respecting cultural heritage and traditions. The Isale-Eko Descendants Union’s concerns demonstrate the need for active engagement and dialogue between communities, regulators, and content providers to ensure that cultural representations are accurate, respectful, and empowering.
