The Isale Eko Descendant’s Union (IDU) has seeked for the withdrawal of the Gangs of Lagos movie from public view.
The union issued a press release on the defamation of the Eyo masquerade in various scenes in the movie.
The movie which dropped last week vividly portrays the thuggery and violent lifestyle of Lagos, hitting close to home with Lagos politics and revealing the greater weight behind street power.
Gangs of London which was produced by Jade Osiberu and Lala Akindoju has been defined by the IDU as a movie used to portray the Eyo as a decoy, camouflage and subterfuge for murder, presenting the union as a ‘gang’ as opposed to the actuality of their union.
The scene shows the Eyo coming out to commemorate the death of London, played by Fuji singer, Pasuma and the disguise of Tobi Bakre (playing as Obalola) and his gang in an attempt to kill the greedy Eleniyan, Kazeem.
It also showed at the beginning where Kazeem disguised as the masquerade and killed Obalola’s father.
Gangs of Lagos is now streaming only on Prime Video.
Everyone will be watching Gangs of Lagos on Prime Video at 7 PM today! Don't miss out on all the fun, you can have a watch party and see Gangs Of Lagos with your friends. @primevideonaija #GangsOfLagosOnPrime pic.twitter.com/zWk0RqcCXu
— Naija (@Naija_PR) April 7, 2023
The warning issued by the Lagos Chief against the portrayal of this sacred masquerade was that if anything happens to the cast and crew of Gangs of Lagos, they would have to carry their cross.
The Isale Eko Descendant Union moved for a plea to NF & BC for the withdrawal of approval granted to the movie and also from public view. They stated clearly, that they would be taking legal actions on the gross damage done to their culture.