Isale Eko Descendants to sue Amazon Prime over ‘cultural misrepresentation’ in Gangs of Lagos film
The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) has announced its intention to sue Amazon Prime Video Nigeria over what it describes as the “illegal and scandalous” depiction of the Eyo masquerade and the Isale Eko community in the recently released film, Gangs of Lagos.
In a statement by it Chairman, Yomi Tokosi, the IDU expressed its deep concern over the violent images in the film, which it claims portrays the Eyo masquerade – a unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community – as being used by murderers and gangsters in the area.
“The Eyo masquerade has been part of the unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community of Lagos since 1854 (169 years) and is known as a masquerade for celebration in Lagos Island and not an instrument of gangs of criminals as illegally and scandalously portrayed,” the statement read.
The IDU further expressed its displeasure at the way the film has brought the Eyo masquerade and the people of Isale Eko into disrepute, which it claims has caused the community to be deemed criminally minded by right-thinking members of the society.
“The culture and tradition of Isale Eko can be wantonly exploited in such a despicable and insensitive manner by Amazon and Prime Video to the detriment of the Isale Eko community,” the statement added.
The IDU has lodged a petition with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NF&VCB) and other major stakeholders, calling for the withdrawal of the movie from all viewing channels available to the public. It has also requested that the NF&VCB withdraw the approval granted to the movie.
“The illegal and scandalous depiction of the Eyo masquerade in the movie is actionable and the IDU and other community stakeholders will be considering legal action for the damage done to the culture, tradition, and image of the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade,” the statement concluded.
Amazon Prime Video Nigeria is yet to respond to the IDU’s claims of cultural misrepresentation.
