The union filed a legal lawsuit, demanding ten billion Nigerian naira in damages from Amazon and the film’s creators
Isale Eko Descendants Union has expressed its contentment with the court verdict that ordered the producers of the film Gangs of Lagos to apologize to the union for the manner in which the Eyo masquerade was represented in the popular film.
Regarding the contentious depiction of the Eyo masquerade in the film, the conditions of the settlement that were agreed upon by the IDU and the makers of the film were authorized by a high court in Lagos.
The film was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023. Jade Osiberu was the director of the film, while Kemi Lala Akindoju was the producer.
The film received criticism for what was deemed a “defamatory depiction” of Isale Eko as a gathering place for criminals and the Eyo masquerade as a group of murderers.
The union filed a legal lawsuit, demanding ten billion Nigerian naira in damages from Amazon and the film’s creators.
The presiding court, Justice Idowu Alakija, wrote in her verdict, which was based on a legal document dated February 20, that the parties involved promised to address all concerns involving the film in a manner that was amicable.
In the complaint, the Attorney General of Lagos and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board were designated as the first and second respondents, respectively.
Osiberu, Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Wellington, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited were among the 3rd -12th place respondents.
The court came to the conclusion that, “The 3rd – 11th Respondents (the Film Producers) shall jointly issue a letter recognising the applicants position that the movie titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’ erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants – Isale Eko Descendants Union — in this regard.
“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 titled Gangs of Lagos erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and the long-standing traditions of the Isale-Eko people, and shall therein, tender an unreserved apology to the applicants in this regard.
The IDU has expressed its satisfaction with the outcome of the court-authorized settlement. They believe it sets a crucial precedent for preserving the cultural heritage of Nigeria’s indigenous people.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chairman of the IDU, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), remarked. He said, “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.”