As Amazon Prime, Gangs of Lagos Producers Apologise for Disparaging Eyo, Isale Eko Culture
By Eva Irewole
Two years after the controversy surrounding the release of Gangs of Lagos, a film by Jade Osiberu, a profound apology has been tendered to the Isale Eko Descendants Union and Adamu Orisa masquerades over perceived misrepresentations and inaccuracies in the movie.
The apology was tendered by both Amazon Prime Video and the producers of the movie after they were sued by the Isale Eko Descendants Union. A consent judgement was entered into and validated by Justice Idowu Alakija at the Lagos High Court on 12 March 2025 in suit no: LD/6903GCM/2023. The suit was between Isale Eko Descendants Union & 2ORS v. Amazon Web Services & 11 ORS.
“Today is a great day for the Isale Eko community of Lagos State, all indigenous communities of Lagos, and Lagosians generally.
“Today, the relatively small community of Isale Eko in Lagos State was able to establish that, along with other rights, there are inalienable cultural rights that accrue to indigenous communities that need to be vigorously protected,” the President of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, Mr Niji Kazeem, SAN, stated in a statement after the court ruling.
“Indeed, the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) states, amongst other things, that the culture of indigenous people must be protected. That indigenous people have intellectual property rights in their culture and there can be no exploitation or usage of those rights without the express permission of the indigenous communities,” he added.
Honourable Justice Idowu Alakija of the Lagos High Court had earlier that day endorsed the Terms of Settlement entered into by the Isale Eko Descendants Union (Applicants) and Amazon Web Services (Defendant), along with 11 other Defendants, as a judgement of the court.
“Indigenous communities have inalienable cultural rights that must be vigorously protected.”
The judgement, amongst other things, provides that:
- The 3rd–11th Respondents (the film producers) shall jointly issue a letter recognising the Applicants’ position that the movie titled Gangs of Lagos erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and long-standing traditions of the Isale Eko people, and shall therein tender an unreserved apology to the Applicants – Isale Eko Descendants Union.
- The 12th Respondent (Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited) shall issue, on its letterhead, a letter recognising the Applicants’ (Isale Eko Descendants Union) position that the movie titled Gangs of Lagos erroneously portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the well-respected Eyo masquerade and the peace-loving nature and long-standing traditions of the Isale Eko people, and shall therein tender an unreserved apology to the Applicants in this regard.
Kazeem further stated: “We feel vindicated by this judgement and thank the court system and the office of the Lagos State Attorney General for the positive role it played in resolving this dispute.
“However, we must state that the National and State Film Censors Boards must be more vigilant in scrutinising films that are licensed for viewing either on physical screens or on digital platforms beaming into the Nigerian digital space.
“Furthermore, we assert that there are strong imperatives for Lagos State to revisit its constitutional rights to properly oversee the production and censorship of films utilising its cultural material and resources.
“Finally, I thank our Royal Father, Alaiyeluwa Oba Riliwanu Akiolu I (Oba of Lagos), our legal team led by Mr Supo Shasore, SAN, the Isale Eko Descendants Union Trustees, Elders, Members, and all well-meaning Lagosians who gave both physical and spiritual support.”
