Some descendants of Lagos are outraged by a recently released movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’ being promoted by Jade Osiberu and Kemi Akindoju which they say distorts the sacred Lagosian heritage of Eyo masquerade.
Prince Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu, the Apesinọla Ẹyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa Ọkalaba Ẹkun expressed his strong condemnation of the distorted portrayal of Lagosian culture and calls for swift action to protect and preserve the sacred heritage of Lagos.
According to the Prince, the Gangs of Lagos film portrays Eyo masquerade as gun-wielding killers, wearing the full regalia of the sacred tradition and depicting Conclaves in a derogatory manner. This portrayal ‘is seen as a total abomination and a distortion of the rich Lagosian culture,’ he said in a statement.
In a related development, the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) reacted to the newly released movie, urging the National Firm and Video Censors Board (NF&VCB) to withdraw the approval granted for the movie on all viewing channels to the public.
In a press statement issued and signed by the Chairman of the union, Yomi Tokosi, said Eyo masquerade is a celebration of unique cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community and not instrument of gangs of criminals and violence as portrayed in the movie.
The Adamu Orisha, a treasured cleansing ritual and sacred rite, is performed during the passage of an Oba or for their coronation, as well as to honour distinguished Lagosians in their final rite of transition. It is a symbol of renewal, purification, and ancestral blessings.
To use the sacred Adamu Orisha Masquerade as an object of terror and criminality is seen as a savage and despoiling act against the Lagosian tradition. The people of Lagos demand an immediate withdrawal of this sacrilegious film and call on the National Film and Video Censors Board and other appropriate authorities to ban it and impose punitive sanctions on its sponsors for their venomous ethnic profiling.
There is also an appeal to the Lagos State government, the Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Oba Rilwan Akinolu, and all custodians of the Lagosian tradition to defend it against the ravages of these agents of pollution. Ethnic profiling is recognised as a crime against humanity, and provisions can be invoked against these sacrilegious hate baiters.