Amazon, the entertainment company, is requesting the dismissal of a lawsuit against the controversial film, Gangs of Lagos.
The film, released in April, depicts the violent and thuggish lifestyle in certain areas of Lagos, delving into the city's politics and showcasing the influence of street power.
The state government, represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, expressed dissatisfaction with the movie. They criticized it for misrepresenting the culture and heritage of Lagos, stating that as the custodian of culture and the regulatory body of the state, they viewed the film as a mockery of Lagos' heritage.
The Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU), representing Lagos indigenes, has decided to pursue legal action regarding a project. In their lawsuit, they are seeking N10 billion in damages from Amazon and other producers associated with the Gangs of Lagos.
In response to the union's demands, Amazon has filed a preliminary objection on June 30. They argue that the Lagos Government does not possess the constitutional authority to censor films created within its jurisdiction.
The entertainment Giant stated that “The Cinematograph Law of Lagos State, 2004 is not applicable to video and film censorship in the state.”
Amazon has requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the Cinematograph Law of Lagos State, 2004 was passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly beyond its legislative authority.
The entertainment company sought an order “pursuant to Section 25(1)(q) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999” striking out the suit as the court “does not have jurisdiction to entertain it”.
“The appropriate law is the National Film and Video Censor Board Act, 1993, an Act of the National Assembly, which has already covered the field,” Amazon argued.
Justice Idowu Alakija, the presiding judge, has scheduled October 9 as the date to decide on Amazon's preliminary objection to the lawsuit. Amazon recently launched Prime Video Nigeria and introduced its first original production, Gangs of Lagos.
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