A Lagos State High Court has issued a ruling requiring the well-known entertainment company Amazon, along with the producers of the contentious film Gangs of Lagos, to apologize to the indigenous people of Lagos represented by the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU). This decision comes in response to claims that the film misrepresented the cultural heritage and traditions of the local communities.
The court also affirmed the terms of a settlement agreement that had been established among the IDU, Amazon, and 11 other defendants involved in the case. This development follows the film’s release in April 2023, which sparked significant controversy due to its depiction of violence and thuggery in certain areas of Lagos. The film delves into the complexities of Lagos politics while highlighting the influence of street power, which many locals found to be a distorted representation of their lives and culture.
The Lagos State government, represented by Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, expressed strong disapproval of the film, labeling it a mockery of Lagos heritage. This sentiment was echoed by the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU), which filed a lawsuit seeking N10 billion in damages from both the film’s producer and Amazon for the perceived harm caused by the film’s portrayal of their community.
In response to the lawsuit, Amazon contended that the Lagos State government did not possess the constitutional authority to censor films produced within its jurisdiction. The company requested that the court dismiss the case on these grounds.
However, on March 12, 2025, Justice Idowu Alakija of the Lagos High Court delivered a ruling mandating that an unreserved apology be issued to the applicants. In his judgement, Justice Alakija stated that the film Gangs of Lagos had inaccurately represented the cultural heritage and traditions of the Isale Eko people, underscoring the importance of respecting and accurately portraying local cultures in media productions.
This ruling not only highlights the legal responsibilities of filmmakers but also emphasizes the significance of cultural sensitivity and representation in the entertainment industry, particularly in diverse societies like Lagos. The case serves as a reminder of the potential impact that media portrayals can have on communities and their heritage.
