The Lagos State Government has fumed at the promoter of the movie and series film “Gangs of Lagos” over cultural misrepresentation and for portraying the culture of Lagos in a derogatory manner.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf in a statement, expressed displeasure, saying the ministry being custodian of the culture of the State, views the film/series as a mockery of the Heritage of Lagos.
Akinbile-Yussuf who was very disappointment with the promoters of the film, Jade Osiberu and Kemi Akindoju, for portraying the Eyo Masquerade as a gun-wielding villain while adorning the full traditional regalia.
According to him, “We are of the opinion that the production of the film ‘The Gang of Lagos’ is very unprofessional and misleading while its content is derogatory of the Lagos State culture.
“With the intention to desecrate the revered heritage of the people of Lagos. It is an unjust profiling of a people and culture as being barbaric and nefarious. It depicts a gang of murderers rampaging across the State”, she added.
The Commissioner maintained that the Adamu Orisha, popularly known as the Eyo Festival, is rarely observed and only comes up as a traditional rite of passage for Obas, revered Chiefs and eminent Lagosians.
She noted that the Eyo Masquerade is equally used as a symbol of honour for remarkable historical events.
“It signifies a sweeping renewal, a purification ritual to usher in a new beginning, a beckoning of new light, acknowledging the blessings of the ancestors of Lagosians”, Akinbile-Yusuff said.
Also, the Descendants of Isale Eko have threatened legal action against the producer of Gang of Lagos, Jade Osiberu and called on the National Film And Censors Board (NFVCB) to withdraw the approval granted to the movie.
The Isale Eko descendants insisted that Adinmu Orisha’s play isn’t in any way associated with the thuggery, violence and gangsterism as projected in the film.
“Gangs of Lagos” is a high-stakes, gritty, hard-hitting action crime- thriller, with an authentic storyline, centred on a group of childhood friends who each have to navigate destiny, growing up on the bustling streets and neighbourhood of Isale Eko, Lagos.
The movie is 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.