Court Orders Amazon, ‘Gangs of Lagos’ Producers to Apologise to Isale Eko Indigenes
A Lagos State High Court has ruled that entertainment giant Amazon and the producers of the controversial movie Gangs of Lagos must issue a public apology to the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU) for misrepresenting their cultural heritage and traditions.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Idowu Alakija on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, also upheld a settlement agreement between IDU, Amazon, and 11 other defendants.
The lawsuit stemmed from the April 2023 release of Gangs of Lagos, which depicted street violence and political thuggery in the city. The Lagos State Government and the IDU strongly opposed the portrayal, particularly its depiction of the Eyo Masquerade, a significant cultural symbol in Lagos.
The IDU, in its legal action, demanded ₦10 billion in damages, arguing that the film distorted the identity and traditions of the Isale Eko community. In response, Amazon contended that Lagos State lacked the constitutional authority to censor films and sought to have the case dismissed.
However, the court ruled in favour of IDU, stating that the film misrepresented the Isale Eko people and disparaged the Eyo Masquerade. Justice Alakija ordered Amazon to issue a formal letter acknowledging the erroneous portrayal and apologising to the applicants.
Reacting to the verdict, IDU Chairman Adeniyi Kazeem, SAN, hailed it as a significant victory for Lagos indigenes, stating:
“Today is a great day for the Isale Eko community, all Lagos indigenous communities, and Lagosians in general. We have successfully affirmed that cultural rights must be vigorously protected.”
