The Story ⚡
After nearly two yeas of litigation between the Isale Eko Descendant Union, the producers of Gangs of Lagos, and Amazon a settlement has been reached, requiring the filmmakers to apologize for their fictional portrayal of the Eyo masquerade.
Tell Me More
Following its release on April 7, 2023, Gangs of Lagos stirred significant controversy for its portrayal of life in Isale Eko and, more critically, for depicting the revered Eyo masquerade in a way many locals found offensive. This led the Isale Eko Descendant Union (IEDU) to file a lawsuit against the film’s producers and Amazon on May 30, 2023, under Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, seeking N10 billion in damages.
Almost two years later, in March 2025, Justice Idowu Alakija approved a settlement that officially resolved the dispute. Named in the lawsuit were several respondents: the Attorney General of Lagos State and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (first and second respondents), alongside filmmakers Jade Osiberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Adesegun Adetoro, Demi Olubanwo, Olumide Soyombo, Bankole Wellington (Banky W), Adesua Etomi, Kola Aina, and Greoh Limited, including Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited (third to twelfth respondents).
As part of the settlement, the producers (third to eleventh respondents) are required to issue a formal letter acknowledging IEDU’s position , recognizing that Gangs of Lagos misrepresented and disrespected the Eyo masquerade and the traditions of the Isale Eko people and to tender an unreserved public apology. Amazon Web Services Nigeria (twelfth respondent) must also issue a similar apology on its official letterhead. Prime Video is also prohibited from continuing to present Gangs of Lagos for public viewing and streaming.
The film’s producers confirmed to Shock Newsroom that despite the settlement and apologies, no monetary compensation was paid to IEDU. Furthermore, the judgment prevents IEDU from pursuing any future legal claims or suits related to this matter, bringing final closure to one of Nollywood’s most high-profile cultural disputes.
Key Background
Gangs of Lagos is a 2023 Nigerian crime thriller shot in the vibrant city of Lagos Island, directed and produced by Jadesola Osiberu, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, Chike, Chioma Chukwuka, Zlatan, Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Ademoye, Yvonne Jegede, Yinka Quadri, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, and Yhemolee. The film follows the story of three childhood friends, Obalola, Ify, and Gift as they navigate life in Isale Eko, a neighborhood heavily influenced by gangs with deep political ties. As gang rivalries intensify, the trio finds themselves caught in a web of violence, power struggles, and ambition.
The Movie Premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on September 4, but later debuted on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023, distributed globally under Amazon MGM Studios. The film has since earned multiple accolades, it ranked among Prime Video’s top 10 most-watched non-English local originals globally. Gangs of Lagos stands as a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian cinema, blending high-stakes storytelling with social commentary on the intersection of culture, politics, and organized crime.
Tangent
The settlement over Gangs of Lagos brings to light a much bigger conversation about censorship and creative freedom in Nigeria’s film industry. The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has long been known for its heavy hand in regulating film content, especially when cultural, religious, or political sensitivities are involved. This latest controversy might not just end with an apology , it could open the floodgates for even more scrutiny of fictional works that touch on sensitive cultural symbols.
Over the years, several high-profile films have faced bans or suspension over concerns tied to cultural, political, or religious representations. One memorable example is Sugar Rush, a 2020 blockbuster starring Adesua Etomi and Bisola Aiyeola, which was suddenly pulled from cinemas by the NFVCB. Though it was later reinstated, the board cited concerns about how certain social and economic issues were portrayed.
Another infamous case was Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel that focused on the Biafran War — one of Nigeria’s most sensitive historical events. Despite being approved in July 2014, the film was banned from cinemas shortly before its release, with the board claiming it could incite violence.
Even web series are not exempt. Oga! Pastor, a drama series by NdaniTV that explored a pastor’s moral failings, was abruptly canceled in 2019 after only three episodes. Many speculated that the show was pulled in light of public allegations against a popular Nigerian pastor at the time , suggesting that even fictional depictions can become entangled with real-life controversies.
With Gangs of Lagos now added to this list, there’s growing concern that this case will set a precedent, making filmmakers more vulnerable to public and political backlash, especially when their stories intersect with cultural heritage. If care isn’t taken, this could lead to self-censorship, shrinking the creative space Nollywood has fought so hard to expand. While cultural respect is critical, balancing it with artistic freedom will be essential for the industry’s growth and relevance on the global stage.
In Summary
With Gangs of Lagos 2 reportedly shopped to Netflix before the streamer scrapped all local developments last year, the industry’s loss of such a global platform marks a sad setback for creative freedom and original Nigerian storytelling on the world stage.
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