Isale Eko Descendants Union Welcomes Court Ruling On ‘Gangs of Lagos’

Producers Ordered to Apologize Over Eyo Masquerade Portrayal

The Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) has expressed satisfaction with a recent court ruling that mandates the producers of the movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’ to issue a public apology over the controversial depiction of the Eyo masquerade.

The ruling, issued by the Lagos High Court, follows a settlement agreement between the IDU and the filmmakers, who faced legal action over what the union described as a defamatory misrepresentation of Isale Eko and its cultural heritage.

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Court Approves Settlement in Cultural Heritage Dispute

‘Gangs of Lagos’, a film directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023. However, the movie quickly sparked backlash for portraying Isale Eko as a hub for criminal activities and the Eyo masquerade as a gang of violent killers.

In response, the IDU filed a lawsuit, demanding ₦10 billion in damages from Amazon and the film’s producers. The Attorney General of Lagos State and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board were also listed as respondents in the case.

On February 20, 2025, Justice Idowu Alakija approved the settlement terms, stating that both parties had agreed to resolve the matter amicably.

Filmmakers and Amazon Ordered to Apologize

According to the court ruling, the film producers (including Jade Osiberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Bankole Wellington, and Adesua Wellington) must jointly issue a letter acknowledging that ‘Gangs of Lagos’ misrepresented the Eyo masquerade and the Isale Eko community.

The ruling further requires Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited to issue a separate formal apology on its official letterhead.

The court order reads:

“The 3rd – 11th Respondents (the Film Producers) shall jointly issue a letter recognising the applicants’ position that the movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’ erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and traditions of the Isale Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants – Isale Eko Descendants Union.”

“The 12th respondent (Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited) shall issue on its letterhead, a letter recognising the applicants’ (Isale Eko Descendants Union) position that the movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’ erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature of the Isale Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants.”

IDU Chairman Hails Ruling, Calls for Better Film Censorship

Reacting to the court’s decision, IDU Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), expressed satisfaction, stating that the ruling sets a significant precedent for protecting Nigeria’s indigenous cultural heritage.

“We feel vindicated by this judgment and thank the court system and the Lagos State Attorney General’s office for their role in resolving this dispute,” Kazeem said in a statement on Wednesday.

However, he also urged national and state film censors to be more vigilant in scrutinizing movies that could misrepresent or distort Nigerian cultures.

Implications for Nollywood and Cultural Representation

This ruling marks a major moment in Nollywood’s portrayal of cultural symbols, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and accuracy in storytelling. While creative freedom is essential, this case highlights the importance of respecting traditional institutions and indigenous narratives in filmmaking.

As the film industry continues to grow, this judgment could shape future productions, ensuring that filmmakers balance artistic expression with cultural responsibility.