‘Gangs Of Lagos’ Producers Face ₦10 Billion Lawsuit From Isale Eko Indigenes
The indigenous people of Isale Eko are filing for a 10 billion naira lawsuit against the producers of Prime Video’s first African original movie, “Gangs of Lagos”.
The Isale Eko Descendants Union has expressed dissatisfaction with the filmmakers for portraying Isale Eko (Lagos Island) as a haven of criminals and the Eyo as killers.
According to ThisDay Newspaper, the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union and a few other applicants brought their objections to court, attempting to levy the fine on the producers, who include Jadesola Soberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria.
The complaints also request that the National Film and Censors Board (NFVCB) revoke the film’s clearance.
After hearing their case, a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Idowu Alakija at Tafawa Balewa Square granted them leave to apply for judicial review and seek an order of mandamus directing the Attorney General of Lagos State and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board to sanction the film producers under the Lagos State Cinematograph Law.
“To apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the attorney general and Lagos State Video and Film Censors Board to perform their statutory duty under the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State, impose a fine of ₦10 billion against the producers of the Gangs of Lagos movie, and demand an account of the proceeds from exploitation and streaming of the illegal and defamatory depiction of Isale Eko as a den of criminals and the Eyo Masquerade as a gang of murderers and assassins in the Gangs of Lagos movie,” the court document reads.
The Lagos Government, like the union, has also expressed its concern with the depiction of the Eyo masquerade as a gun-wielding monster.
Gangs of Lagos is the first African Original for Prime Video, and it is part of Osiberu’s three-year partnership with the streaming service.
