A Lagos High Court has ordered Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited and the producers of Gangs of Lagos to issue an unreserved apology to the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) for misrepresenting the cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community.
Justice Idowu Alakija upheld a settlement agreement between IDU, Amazon, and 11 other defendants including Jade Osiberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington (Banky W), Adesua Etomi, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited.
IDU had sought legal action over the film’s depiction of the Eyo Masquerade as violent and Isale Eko as crime-ridden.
The court ruled the portrayal was misleading and directed the filmmakers and Amazon to formally acknowledge the concerns raised.
Chairman of the Union, Adeniyi Kazeem, SAN, welcomed the judgment and called for stricter film censorship to prevent misrepresentation of cultural traditions.
