Reports indicate that the court has granted the request of the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) to pursue a legal course of action seeking a hefty fine against the producers of ‘Gangs of Lagos’. The court’s decision compels the Lagos attorney-general and the state video and film censors board to impose the fine.
The film titled ‘Gangs of Lagos’, directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, made its debut on Amazon’s Prime Video platform on April 7.
The story follows a group of friends who find themselves caught in the tides of fate while navigating the bustling streets of Lagos.
However, the production encountered a storm of criticism due to its alleged misrepresentation of Isale Eko as a hotbed of criminal activity and the Eyo Masquerade as a gang of ruthless murderers.
The IDU put forth the argument that the movie violated the cinematograph law of Lagos, warranting this legal action.
The lawsuit filed by the descendants of Isale Eko accused Jade Osiberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Kola Aina, Greoh Limited, and Amazon Web Services Nigeria of presenting a “false depiction” of the sacred Eyo masquerade.
Presiding over the case, Judge Idowu Alakija ruled in favour of the IDU, granting them permission to seek a judicial review. They can now pursue an order of mandamus, directing the Lagos attorney-general and the board to seize the proceeds earned from the streaming of the controversial project.
The court’s approval came after hearing the compelling arguments put forth by counsel representing the descendants of Isale Eko and other involved parties in the lawsuit.