Court Orders Amazon, ‘Gangs of Lagos’ Producers to Apologize Over Cultural Misrepresentation

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The Lagos State High Court has ruled in favor of the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU), ordering Amazon and the producers of the controversial film Gangs of Lagos to issue a public apology for misrepresenting the cultural heritage of Lagos indigenes.

The 2023 Amazon Prime release, which depicted thuggery and street violence in Lagos, sparked outrage, with the Lagos State Government and the IDU condemning it as a mockery of Lagos heritage. In response, the IDU filed a lawsuit demanding N10 billion in damages.

In its defense, Amazon argued that Lagos lacked the constitutional power to censor films. However, the court ruled that the film falsely portrayed the traditions of the Isale Eko people and the revered Eyo Masquerade.

Justice Idowu Alakija ordered that Amazon issue a letter acknowledging that Gangs of Lagos "erroneously portrayed and disparaged" the cultural identity of Isale Eko and apologize publicly.

Reacting to the victory, IDU Chairman, Adeniyi Kazeem, SAN, hailed the ruling as a landmark moment for indigenous rights, stating that "cultural heritage must be vigorously protected."

With this ruling, the question remains—will Amazon and the film producers comply, or will this battle escalate further?

Source: DP

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