The depiction of the island and its revered Eyo masquerades in the movie ‘Gangs Of Lagos‘ has sparked outrage among the local community, who perceive it as a wrongful portrayal. The Isale Eko Descendants Union has taken action by seeking to impose a hefty fine of ₦10 billion on the film’s producers. They argue that the movie portrays Isale Eko (Lagos Island) as a haven for criminals and depicts the Eyo masquerades as murderers, which they find highly objectionable.
According to ThisDay Newspaper, the Isale Eko Descendants Union, along with Chief Ayodele Bajulaiye and Chief Abdul-Waheed Ayeni representing their respective chieftaincy families, have filed complaints against the producers, including notable names like Jadesola Soberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Banky Wellington, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and others. Additionally, they are calling on the National Film and Censors Board to withdraw its approval of the movie.
The complaints have been heard by a Lagos High Court, with Justice Idowu Alakija presiding. The court has granted them permission to apply for judicial review and seek an order to compel the Attorney General of Lagos State and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board to take action against the film producers under the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State. The court document states their intention to impose a ₦10 billion fine on the producers, as well as demand an account of the proceeds from the movie’s exploitation and streaming.
This legal battle stems from the initial disappointment expressed by the Isale Eko Descendants Union when the movie was released for streaming in April 2023. They emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the Eyo masquerades and criticized their portrayal in the film, deeming it disrespectful and insensitive.