Gangs of Lagos producers apologize over Eyo Masquerade depiction

By Tosin Brown

Nearly two years after the Isale Eko Descendants Union sued the producers of Gangs of Lagos and Prime Video over the film’s portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade, both parties have reached an out-of-court settlement.

The union had sought a N10 billion fine against the filmmakers, accusing them of depicting Isale Eko as a criminal hub and the Eyo Masquerade as violent. As part of the settlement, the filmmakers and Prime Video agreed to issue a formal apology.

Justice Idowu Alakija of the Lagos High Court approved the settlement, with Amazon Web Services and the film’s producers acknowledging the erroneous portrayal of Eyo and the Isale Eko community. Amazon is also required to issue an official letter recognizing the misrepresentation.

In a statement, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, praised the ruling, describing it as a victory for cultural preservation. He emphasized the importance of protecting indigenous communities’ cultural rights, citing the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The judgment mandates that the film’s producers formally recognize the Isale Eko Union’s concerns and tender an unreserved apology. Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited must also issue a similar letter on its official letterhead.

Kazeem urged Nigerian film censors to be more vigilant in approving films for public consumption, especially those depicting cultural elements. He also called on Lagos State to assert its oversight on films that use its cultural heritage.

He expressed gratitude to Oba Riliwanu Akiolu I, the Isale Eko legal team, and all supporters who contributed to the case.

With the settlement agreed upon, the legal dispute is now resolved.