Amazon Ordered to Apologize to Lagos Indigenes Over ‘Gangs of Lagos’ Movie Misrepresentation
In a landmark judgment, the Lagos State High Court has ordered popular entertainment company Amazon and the producer of the controversial movie Gangs of Lagos to tender an unreserved apology to the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) for wrongly portraying their cultural heritage and traditions.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Idowu Alakija on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, also upheld the terms of settlement agreed upon by IDU, Amazon, and 11 other defendants.
Background
The movie Gangs of Lagos, released in April 2023, received backlash from various quarters, including the Lagos State Government and the Isale Eko community. It depicted a thuggery and violent lifestyle intertwined with Lagos politics, allegedly making a mockery of the revered Eyo Masquerade and the long-standing traditions of the Isale Eko people.
The Lagos State Government, represented by its Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, condemned the movie as a disrespectful representation of the cultural heritage of Lagos.
Following this, the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) filed a lawsuit demanding N10 billion in damages from Amazon and the film producer for the alleged cultural misrepresentation.
Amazon’s Argument and the Court’s Ruling
Amazon had initially argued that Lagos State lacked the constitutional authority to censor films produced within its territory and urged the court to dismiss the lawsuit. However, the court ruled otherwise, stating that the film had indeed misrepresented the cultural heritage of the Isale Eko people.
The court ordered Amazon to issue a letter acknowledging the applicants’ position that Gangs of Lagos wrongfully portrayed and disparaged the cultural heritage of the Eyo Masquerade and the Isale Eko people.
Reaction from IDU Chairman
Reacting to the judgment, IDU Chairman Adeniyi Kazeem, SAN, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating:
“Today is a great day for the Isale Eko community of Lagos State, all Lagos indigenous communities, and Lagosians generally. Today, the relatively small community of Isale Eko 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.”
Opinion: A Victory for Cultural Integrity or Censorship Gone Too Far?
This ruling brings forth a crucial conversation about the line between creative expression and cultural sensitivity. While filmmakers are encouraged to explore real-life societal issues, doing so at the expense of misrepresenting people's culture and heritage can be harmful and disrespectful.
However, one must wonder if this judgment sets a precedent for future creative projects. Should creative storytelling be limited by the obligation to satisfy everyone’s cultural perceptions, or should filmmakers have the freedom to express societal realities as they see fit?
Would this ruling lead to more culturally sensitive productions, or will it stifle creativity and discourage artistic expression?
What’s your take on this ruling? Should filmmakers tread more carefully when dealing with cultural representations?
