Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU), a cultural group representing the descendants of the original inhabitants of Lagos Island, has frowned at the portrayal of the Eyo masquerade in Gangs of Lagos.
The recent Nigerian film was directed by Jade Osiberu and displayed the Eyo masquerade, an important part of the cultural heritage of Lagos Island in some of the scenes.
Checks revealed the masquerade was a form of street theatre that was performed during festivals and other important events. It was also considered a sacred tradition by the people of Isale Eko.
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It was characterised by the distinctive white costumes and masks worn by the performers, which were believed to represent the spirits of the ancestors.
Contrarily, the union’s chairman, Mr Yomi Tokosi argued that Gangs of Lagos, which was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023, featured scenes that depicted the masquerades as a violent and menacing presence, used by criminal gangs to intimidate and assassinate enemies.
Tokosi said the movie misrepresented the true nature of the Eyo masquerade and reinforced negative stereotypes about their culture.
The group stated its displeasure at how Isale Eko was showcased in the movie in a statement signed by Tokosi.
The statement added that the neighbourhood was also portrayed in the movie as a hotbed of crime.
Also, for the exposure of Lagosians to egregious embarrassment, “a petition has been lodged by the IDU with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NF&VCB) including other major stakeholders.”
The IDU demanded that the NFVCB withdraw the movie from all public viewing platforms, among other demands.
The statement read:
“The attention of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) has been drawn to the very disturbing violent images in a new movie directed by Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju, executive produced by Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Kola Aina; and filmed by Greoh Studios and released by Amazon’s Prime Video Nigeria called gangs of Lagos.
“In the movie, the unique Eyo masquerade indigenous to the Isale Eko community in Lagos was illegally and scandalously depicted as being used as a camouflage, decoy and subterfuge for murderers and gangsters operating in the Isale Eko area.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Eyo masquerade has been part of the unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community of Lagos since 1854 (169 years) and the Eyo is known as a masquerade for celebration in Lagos island and not an instrument of gangs of criminals as illegally and scandalously portrayed
“Most importantly, the movie has brought the Eyo masquerade and the people of Isale Eko into disrepute, who are now deemed criminally minded in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society.
“The Isale Eko descendants’ union is very disturbed that the culture and tradition of Isale Eko can be wantonly exploited in such a despicable and insensitive manner by Amazon Prime Video to the detriment of the Isale Eko community. The illegal and scandalous depiction of the Eyo masquerade in the movie is actionable and a petition has been lodged by the IDU with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NF&VCB) including other major stakeholders.
“The IDU has among other things requested that the NF&VCB withdraw the approval granted to the movie- Gangs of Lagos and direct the withdrawal of the movie from all viewing channels available to the public. The IDU and other community stakeholders will also be considering legal action for the damage done to the culture, tradition and image of the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade.”
